Digging up the past

[Oracle]

<< the afternoon gives way to the evening. Morgan was lucky that Madonna herself requested a schedule refshuffling of the photo shoot which gave both Madonna's and Morgan's teams an EXTRA DAY. Morgan was burning the candle at both ends but THIS was not something she was new to. She'd done it for years...even before she joined Valiant and Nicolas was keen in his observation that she wasnt like most "pampered CEOs". She wasnt like most ANY woman in any respect...but would that be enough for her to keep her career and reputation from being derailed while trying to help two friends and keep her team together?>>

<< as she prepared to leave Illustra, Nicolas would join her. Cameron, who now enjoyed newly restored trust from Morgan, was staying at Illustra to serve as a psychic switch board and point of contact between Illustra and Spellbinder and Rampage should their be problems on either end.>>

<< the day had been filled with terrible signs and omens, namely the rise in bird related attacks on humans and the bizarre, unsettling mass converging/migration of birds across species moving across the skies of NYC toward the east. all signs pointed to one thing...or one PERSON rather and even if Haleigh got relief from ONE problem...she would surely be burdened with a more pressing and savage problem..one that would surely destroy HER and anything she held dear.>>

<< their only hope at this moment lay with the daring mission to the Cell, another former strong hold of MysTechs that was destroyed during a battle with the six. the cell was commanded by Rick Riley, a former military commander of Haleigh's. A man with a penchant for brutalizing women and a high level of greed.>>

<< and so, as afternoon gives way to early evening and the skies seem to be calm and clear of any bird activity, the members of the six do what they can to salvage the remainder of this day...all well aware that nothing is certain for them at this moment.>>

<< and so we watch.>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan appeared at Nicolas' door on the 100th floor via stepping disc and rang the doorbell. Even though this was her building, she respected the privacy of her team mates and right now, she wasnt feeling too well anyway, so she needed the precious few moments to gather herself. >>

<< she felt nervous and on edge..but she didnt know why! she'd been in a position where she was burning the candle at both ends before. She'd braved the dark corridors and areas of MysTech alone before as well so why was this different? probably because the lives of Haleigh and Alycia hung in the balance...and while Morgan CARED about both women..she was struggling with her feelings over Haleigh's current reactions and behavior toward her mother and Alycia. There was also the risk that was being posed to her career in the fashion world..even WITH the extra day that was given thanks to Madonna's request for an extension. with Alison gone, the only person besides her mother that she felt comfortable revealing her insecurities and concerns to was her other dear friend, Delilah. But D had enough on her plate with Alycia and Morgan did not want to burden her.>>

<< she decided she'd talk with Nicolas, who was prooving to be very capable and helpfull in this delicate situation, even IF they didnt agree on Alycia. Morgan's heart warmed to Nicolas more and more over the past few days and she was GLAD he was here...for more than one reason.>>

<< when Nicolas answered the door, he would find Morgan in her LATEST costume which harkened to her "Inferno" garb but indicated a woman more confident and in control of her power and destiny...the costume was made possible by Hecate after she bonded with Morgan in ancient greece.>>

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/alltoofair/Goblynqueen.jpg

[Rampage]

As Nicolas answered the door, he let out a whistle as he took Morgan in. These were stressful times, and seeing her like that made him think of several ways to relieved that stress, at least for a few hours. He smiled as he gave her a once over before becoming more serious. Morgan would find him wearing a modified pair of battle pants and boots. He had taken Hecate's comments top heart and decided against a shirt of any kind. Besides, they always got torn or set on fire anyway. The only top covering was a heavy leather, Kevlar, and titanium strap that connected at the back to hold his axe. His voice was laced with a tinge of flirtation as he spoke to her.

Hello, fearless leader. If you insist on dressing this way, I will be forced to pick many more battles to fight. Seriously, I am ready whenever you are...wait, are you alright? I'm sorry, Morgan. Look, forget what I said, let's just talk a minute. I am here for you, OK?

Nicolas had FINALLY taken a good look at Morgan's FACE, and the emotions below the surface were evident. He reached out and grasped her hand gently as he waited for her reply, somewhat ashamed that he had been thinking about what to do WITH her rather than FOR her. He pulled her gently into his apartment and pulled over a seat for her.

[Jill Monroe]

<< as Nicoals opened the door, the slight rush of air caused her blond hair to move a bit as she blinked. She looked upon Nicolas. His body was perfect and the sight of him was TRULY easy on the eyes.>>

Beautifull!

<< she thought. As He flirted with her a bit, she didnt take obvious offense. She knew he meant no harm and he was a young man full of energy. But still, she just couldnt return the flirty banter. He looked at her and she looked at him and as he took her hand, she didnt resist. He lead her in and helped her to a seat and she sat there for a moment with an almost blank expression on her face.>>

<< she couldnt hide how she was feeling and this was something she was LEGENDARY for doing, concealing her moments of weakness.>>

No..i don't think I am really...

<< she said in a weaker tone.>>

But I don't want to talk here. I need to go somewhere...away from prying eyes..and minds...and technology.

<< she stood up.>>

Cameron is here, and you two will be able to keep a link between us and Illustra. with him, my mother, Delilah and Alycia here...there's enough defensive power here if something DOES happen with Haleigh.

<< with that, she takes Nicolas' hand in her own gloved hand and in the twinkling of her eye, she TELEPORTS them from Illustra...from EARTh to Limbo>>

<< its not Ororo's garden though..its the realm OUTSIDE of her garden..the seemingly endless expanse in all directions. a place where time and space do not apply the same. the violet hued skies are filled with swirling clouds and jagged bolts of black lightning that blast forth, coupled with crashing , rolling thunder. winged techno organic demons fly in the skies high above and a Nicolas finds himself standing with Morgan on a large, floating land mass that drifts along slowly, other land masses are floating at various areas and positions...and there are jagged mountains that peek up from the rolling fog that obscures any view of where the "ground" might be far below them. Nicolas will be able to tell that its NOT wise to step off this land mass.>>

<< Morgan looks around for a moment, felling the rushing wind as her hair begins to blow back.>>

Welcome to MY side of Limbo...not as pretty as Ororo's i know...but then again..neither is my soul and right now...I feel AWFUL. I don't think I have a clear, objective view on certain things Nicolas.

<< standing in front of him and facing him, she placed her hand on his chest...almost absentmindedly, as she looked down for a moment.>>

I want to help Haleigh..i HATE that she's suffering so...but part of me REMEMBERS how she has been before toward me..toward the team..even before you came and we've BOTH seen what she does when she slips into her "mode". and to be honest...i DONT like the way she, zach and ava are treating Alycia. its not right..its not FAIR! i almost want to BLAME her for this...what kind of FRIEND does that make me? I can SEE why Alycia feels the way she does about Haleigh..everything BAD that has happened to Alycia in the months that she became more entrenched with the Six has had SOMETHING to do with Haleigh! the super soldier, master mold, rick riley...HOW much can a person take BEFORE they start to unravel!?

and i remember the INFERNO..i remember the nights leading up to it...and how when i finally destroyed Haleigh's original body..it felt...CATHARTIC!

<< she looks up at the skies above.>>

MAYBE I'M the one whose fake ..and a MONSTER in disguise after all. How can i try to HELP her..when part of me deep inside still RESENTS her?

I've seen her memories...she wasnt BORN "bad"...and i've been told how she bravely fought to try to save ME from Master Mold...WE fought together against the super sentinel SO HARD to try to save Sharon and Alycia....and WE failed.....

<< she closes her eyes.>>

THIS is what i HATE!! struggling like this...and it seems that I'm having this problem MORE AND MORE lately. How EFFECTIVE can i be if i cant even KEEP IT TOGETHER?

[Rampage]

As Morgan took his hand, they were whisked away to Limbo. They stood on what appeared to be a precipice of some sort, high above where most would find comfortable. He stayed firmly in the middle with Morgan, not so much worried about whether he could survive a fall as much as wondering if such a fall would actually ever END.

As she lay her hand on his chest, he pulled her closer as she spoke. It was instinctive at this point as he wished he could make her uncertainty go away. she spoke of how she felt about Zach, Haleigh, and Ava and about her own inner demons. he lifted her chin to face him as he spoke to her.

You ARE keeping it together. It would have been easy for us all to tear apart the 99th floor just now, but we only lost a door. Haleigh is unfit to co-lead and needs monitoring but gets to stay with us out of necessity and altruism. That was your call and a good one.

Ava is being a good sister but has managed to stay balanced, more balanced than I would have imagined not too long ago. She is an appropriate caregiver and guard for Haleigh at this point. Also your call and solid.

Zach is troubling to me also. I am concerned that he has been NO help in this situation throughout this time with us. i grow weary of his presence as he spouts off and i am waiting for him to bring more to the table than sex for Haleigh. That your mother did not feel it necessary to include him in the discussion today should speak volumes for his usefulness, or lack of it.

As for your own turmoil, you are doing fine. NO ONE is perfect, not even perfect 10 supermodel sorceress supremes. It is OK for you to acknowledge what you felt then and understand your conflict now, but the symbol of your growth is how you are handling it, which is with dignity and cognizance of the need to speak with someone. With Alison gone and Delilah elsewhere for the moment, I am glad it was me.

What makes anyone a great leader is what they do IN SPITE of how they feel at times. I for one do not want you to stop feeling. <<Steps Closer Still>> FAR from it. I want you to take the time to process every feeling that you have bad...and good. For example, what are you feeling right now?

By this point the young mutant was so close to Morgan that she could smell his cologne, feel his body heat. His lips were less than two inches form hers as he finished speaking.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen had changed out of her busineess attire and into something more comfortable, a pair of cute , appropriately fitting denim capris [ she remembers when they were "in style" the FIRST time around] and a sleevless, fitting white top. her hair was pulled back into a simple pony tail tied by a pink ribbon.>>

<< she had whipped herself up a light snack and some green tea and was now sitting, with her legs curled to the side on an area of the leather sectional in Morgan's sunken in sitting room out in the main area of the multi level penthouse, reading "More" magazine. >>

<< tinkerbell and the kitten were near by on the sectional as well with tinker grooming her "little sister" and purring. it was relatively quiet, and cool in the penthouse and Karen had had time to decompress and settle after that unpleasant time down on the 99th floor. She was unaware of what had taken place after her departure or how well a job her daughter had done in controlling the situation. right now, she didnt CARE to think about any of it really, she needed this time to herself.>>

<< as the chimes of Morgan's doorbell sounded off, Tinkerbell looked in the direction from which they came. her ears perked up.>>

it seems we have a visitor, tink.

<< karen said as she set her magazine down and gently rubbed Tink's head before going to the door. looking through the peephole, she saw Cameron. he was still here? Morgan must have taken into account what she'd said and the fact that he hadnt been blasted away by the warding spell placed on the double doors meant that he had Morgan's permission to be here now. She opened the door and looked at Cameron with a normal facial expression...but in HER case, given her bewitching eyes....even "normal" seemed a bit stern.>>

yes, cameron?

<< she said with a curious tone.>>

what can i do for you?

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron looked at the woman who had a very classic fashion sense. This was a side of Karen that he never really got to see. Whenever he did see her, she was either in her robes or professional attire, never in a dressed down and casual form. She seemed a little stern so Cameron was coy as he responded. ::

"Hello, Dr. Victoria.. I don't mean to disturb you. We have all had a long day, but I just needed to talk to someone. Don't worry, it's not HEAVY, I don't need any therapy about it, and it's not about Haleigh.."

:: He waited to see if Karen would let him in or if she would prefer to be left alone for the evening, which was understandable. He had some things he just wanted to hash over, and since out of the two people he would normally talk to about these situations, one was dead, and one was broadcasting her past on the mega screen in times square, he decided to talk to somebody who was one, impartial, and two, objective. She would probably give him an insight that only came with time, experience and trial and error. ::

[Jill Monroe]

<< in Limbo, the howling winds, the thundering skies and the faint echo of screeching demons could be disconcerting to those who were not accustomed to the realm, but for Morgan..it was as normal as the sounds of traffic in NYC and Nicolas, by now, had become accustomed as well. as Morgan expressed her misigivings, Nicolas provided comfort and true understanding. >>

<< she was SO NOT USED TO THIS from a man...most men would only reach out to her to cop a feel or to have the boast of saying they'd canoodled with a super model. But Nicolas was not as shallow as he once seemed. she allowed her self to rest on his touch, and his presence washed over her even amongst the winds of Limbo.>>

<< his response prooved that he was more perceptive and understood things more clearly than she first give him credit for. she was glad she choose for him to go with her to the cell and this was a moment she needed. He spoke the truth, and if anyone wouldnt LIE to her just to spare her feelings, it was Nicolas. She TRUSTED HIM now..and her trust was well placed. Trust leads to other things...like being able to let him "IN".>>

this is..new for me, you know.

<< she said as she looked at him, so close he was now...>>

it's like discovering Ororo's garden for the first time. I wonder if i should be there...or HERE with you..this close. But, i think...i FEEL that i DO want this.

How do i feel? I feel....SICK!! Sick that I may have to face...and FIGHT Sharon!! I dont want to fight her, Nicolas. she was a FRIEND...and its MY fault she's dead...and now she's BACK..and she's INSANE with REVENGE and HATRED! I may have to fight HER to protect Haleigh....and i dont know if I can DO IT! I dont wany ANY of us fighting her...but i also know that thats not realistic of me...I cant just LET her kill Haleigh....but i dont want her to die..or any of US to die either!!

<< Morgan fully embraced Nicolas' presence as she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest, closing her eyes and shedding tears.>>

When Alycia speaks about the things that have happened to her because of Haleigh...it reminds me of all the reasons why i murdered Haleigh at the start of the Inferno! When HALEIGH refuses the help that my mother offers..it makes me wonder if she DESERVES to be attacked by Sharon...if only to SHOW her that ALL of our sins can come back to haunt us..but WHO AM I to judge HER like that...knowing what i've done??

I just cant BELIEVE i'm having these thoughts, Nicolas. Haleigh and I are the only original members of the Six left. Cameron has just returned...what kind of friend am i? Alycia, Sharon and Haleigh...i feel that they are ALL on my conscience!


<< thunder rumbles in the skies above as Morgan's hair flows a bit in the wind.>>

I feel uncertain, embarrassed, and SICK about this whole thing...

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened silently as Morgan got it all out. She lay her head on his chest and cried about all that was eating at her. Her fears and uncertainties came pouring out, and he just stood there and understood. as she finished her points, he spoke again, his voice booming in his chest.

NONE of them are your fault in they way you carry them. You did kill Haleigh once, and you resent her now because of the negative history that she has brought to the table. But you cannot fault yourself for feeling the way you do, those feelings are your own. You can only try to move forward and be a friend NOW with the second chance you have been given and you are giving that a mighty attempt even with your negative feelings toward her.

As for Alycia, she was not here a lot of the time her breakdown was happening, and when she was, you were unavoidably occupied. It is an important LESSON for us all to be vigilant, but you cannot hold yourself to so high a pedestal. From there you can only fall.

With SHARON, understand that whatever is back here is not REALLY her. Her memory, her cadaver is being launched against us. You are not alone in this. I understand your feelings and I will fight FOR you if I must, just as you would for me if Mystech used my father...in such a way.

Nicolas' own breathing became a bit ragged as he loosened a few tears of his own.

You know, sometimes at night I can't sleep. Not because of the hotshot physiological reasons I COULD give. But because I blame myself for my father. He was a GOOD man. I usually traveled with him. Why not then? He asked me to go and I begged off, not knowing that I could have saved him. His writings to me anticipated my feelings and he told me not to blame myself, but I KNOW how hard it is, honey.

After he died, I traveled to other parts of the world to check on his work. As powerful as I am Morgan, I was NOTHING in these places. I once held a baby in the Sudan as it breathed its last, it brain giving out after it had consumed whatever nutrients its little body could provide. I had tons of supplies with me but they were TOO late. Morgan, I can bench-press an aircraft carrier, tear ground from the planet itself, but to that baby, I was useless. I was made at that point to understand that no matter how tough we THINK we can be, we can only do our best, and that sometimes may not be enough.

Nicolas steps back and looks Morgan in the face.

You cannot do this all alone, Morgan. That is why we are a team. That is why fate brought us together. That is why I lov-

Nicolas looked away quickly as he composed himself.

That is why I left Europe to be here with this team. Because even for ones such as us, together we can accomplish much more than apart. Maybe even make a difference. And if we can, we owe it to ourselves and to the Sharons and Magnusses and children of this world to do so.

[Shadow Weaver]

:: Cameron looked at the woman who had a very classic fashion sense. This was a side of Karen that he never really got to see. Whenever he did see her, she was either in her robes or professional attire, never in a dressed down and casual form. She seemed a little stern so Cameron was coy as he responded. ::

"Hello, Dr. Victoria.. I don't mean to disturb you. We have all had a long day, but I just needed to talk to someone. Don't worry, it's not HEAVY, I don't need any therapy about it, and it's not about Haleigh.."

:: He waited to see if Karen would let him in or if she would prefer to be left alone for the evening, which was understandable. He had some things he just wanted to hash over, and since out of the two people he would normally talk to about these situations, one was dead, and one was broadcasting her past on the mega screen in times square, he decided to talk to somebody who was one, impartial, and two, objective. She would probably give him an insight that only came with time, experience and trial and error. ::


<< Karen looked upon Cameron for a moment. Was he REALLY here, asking for her audience? She was TIRED in her mind from the events several floors below but if there was one thing she reminded herself of..it was that Cameron or Alycia werent the only ones that could learn or see things in a new way. the young man wasnt nearly as insufferable as he had been a year ago and with all that was going on now, it would be UNFAIR of her to send him away from this place...especially with the birds liable to strike out at anymoment outside of Illustra.>>

<< since this wasnt a formal session, Karen decided that it wouldnt be of any harm to speak with Cameron. the fact that he came to HER on his own suggested that he must finally appreciate what she has to offer.>>

yes, Cameron. come in!

<< she said with a more welcoming tone as she showed him in. it had been ages since he was last in Morgan's penthouse. it was essentially the same except for a small memorial picture memorial to Blaze on the hearth of her fire place in one of the large living room area. a reminder to Cameron that several members of the team had passed away since his departure.>>

I would have returned to my own loft in Soho, but something told me to stay here. My daughter, Delilah, Nicolas , Alycia or even you might need some help if things go the way i think they are going to go.

<< she lead him through the multi level penthouse. the panoramic window revealed no birds in obvious view at this dizzying height, but the sun was now setting and it gave the penthouse a nice, cozy look.>>

<< in the sunken in sitting room, Karen returned to her spot. Tinkerbell was grooming the kitten but when Cameron entered, she looked at him, watching him steadily with her blue eyes, moving her head slowly as he found his spot to sit elsewhere on the leather sectional.>>

would you care for some tea?

<< Karen said as she sat down with poise.>>

What's on your mind this evening?

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron followed Karen through Morgan's penthouse. It felt like a reunion at sorts. He hadn't been there in such a long time, and yet it remained, a testament to the fact that life goes on, with or without you. In his mind, images replayed of the first time the Six was actually in her penthouse. He looked to the corner bar where Alexis was usually found. Alexis. She was crazy as hell, and even though he had seen what she had done, that wasn't the Alexis he knew, and the Alexis he did know, he missed. She may have been cold and aloof, but Cameron got to see the side of her that cared so much about everything, her tragic flaw. She cared about seeing Jax at AJ's funeral, she cared about what Helena thought, she cared about Tempo Magazine. It was weird how he found himself thinking of Alexis in Morgan's penthouse, but it weird how certain places can evoke memories of the past. ::

"No...no. No. Adam's dead...my father, my father's dead. I killed him over 10 years ago..."

:: As they made their way to the living room area, he saw the picture of Blaze on the mantle and took a moment to ponder the situation. His mind saw flashes of that moment when Morgan took the rage of her Soulsword down upon Blaze. He never really had a problem with her. She was fiery, care free, free spirited and she made no excuses for her behavior. He remembered how close Haleigh and Blaze had been and more than anything he thought of how responsible he felt for her death, something in the past he would have never admitted. So many things had changed, so many lives had been lost. It had been a long and hard ride that wasn't over. Anytime soon. ::

"Being dramatic or just worried? Looks like you've lost a sister as well....we're two peas in a pod Cameron."

:: His mind snapped back to reality as he took a seat on Morgan's couch and accepted her offer for tea. ::

"Sure, whatever you are drinking is fine.."

:: Cameron hesistated slightly before he began to talk about what he was really just feeling. ::

"Okay, I guess I just wanted to hash over a few things. I am back, that in itself is a miracle. I have this second chance at life, and it is all just so confusing. I can really make the changes in my life I need to and really do what I always wanted to do. The only thing is I don't know what that is.. I have been thinking.. I don't want King Enterprises back, nor do I want anything to do with the Parthenon. Those were all deals I made and success I had because of a blatent abuse of my powers. I want to go back to school.. I did go to school you know, back in Los Angeles, when I was first starting my Stocbroking Firm. I had finish all of my general education. I just never went back.. I want to, and now it's just confusing because how can I do ANY of this? To the world I am DEAD. Even if I changed my identity, I still have this FACE! This BODY! I still look into the mirror when I wake up and see..HIM. And while my past is a part of me, it is getting harder to want to make these changes while I feel like I am destined to live out my days in hiding.."

:: He WAS really conflicted. Cameron was now at that crossroads in life where he could really have a new beginning that almost NOBODY got to have. He was DEAD, and yet here he was. What was he going to do now? He wondered what the Doctor would say to him. ::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan shed her tears of anguish and distress as Nicolas held her. She felt safe in his arms...but the embarrassment of him seeing her like THIS festered in her heart of hearts. there was that deep seated fear that he somehow might throw this back in her face at another time, or what the OTHERS might think, but as her mother AND Ororo had told her, she could NOT function for the sake of keeping up appearences. If nicolas was the man for her..then she must move accordingly and follow her heart. her friends....if they were as true as she believed them to be, would NOT deny her the happiness or joy that came with being near Nicolas.>>

<< Nicolas addressed her feelings about Haleigh, Sharon and Alycia. He was on point again and it eased her mind to know that he understood her position and wouldnt belittle her for feeling the way she did. she reached out to him and it WORKED!>>

<< He agreed with her on Zach, having observed the fact that her mother did not include him in the session. It validated her feeling that HE was not as "innocent" or as mere a victim as it seemed, but WHAT exactly his role was in all of this, Morgan couldnt figure out. AGAIN, another area that Alison would have helped out in. Nicolas DID understand the situation with Alycia after all and he HAD heard karen's admonishing. but on the subject of Sharon, she wasnt entirely sure that it was JUST her cadaver having been reanimated and her mind reprogrammed. something inside her told her this was the REAL DEAL....but Nicolas vowed to stand in the gap for her if necessary just as he knew SHE would if it was HIS father in Sharon's place. he trusted HER too!>>

<< but then nicolas went even further he seemed to EMPATHIZE with Morgan's anguish right now, revealing his own feelings of insecurity and loss. his father, taken away from him and now KNOWING that it wasnt merely an accident, but MURDER orchestrated by Malice, THAT ate at him just as Sharon's death at at HER. Morgan never really heard Nicolas speak about his father much since arriving to the team, but now, she could see that it was an issue HE kept closely guarded to his heart and he trusted Morgan to share it with her now. He MORE than understood, he FELT where Morgan was coming from on that level. >>

<< he spoke of how he was so powerfull and yet NONE of that power could be used to save the life of a tiny baby in one instance. the feeling of loss that he had, Morgan could feel it even through his chest as he held her. and her icy heart left its own guard and went out to HIS....through their shared experiences of loss, guilt and helplessness, they unknowingly strengthened their bond. At that moment, as he reaffirmed his resolve to stand by morgan and to help her....he seemed to SLIP...he....lov...LOVED HER? was THAT what he was going to say? >>

NO! its not possible! how could he? he..hasnt been around me long enough to realy know....

<< Morgan's heart seemed to SKIP more than a beat when he did that...because inside herself...she felt the ice of her heart slowly melting away..for HIM. was that the beginning of Love for HER? she looked a bit bemused as he turned away and she quickly wiped her tears away before he turned to look at her again.>>



Nicolas, if i couldnt before, i DEFINATELY see why Ororo chose you to come to the Six when we needed help the most. Your heart is noble and your spirit is TRUE. Ororo wouldnt have picked just ANYONE. She found you out of a sea of mutants and metahumans...and If we've learned anything through our recent adventure in Greece...it's that EVERYTHING happens for a reason and there's a connection. Malice has blighted ALL of our lives...and even haleigh's memories show how far BACK her menacing shadow was cast. She may be gone now...but MysTech, like the cockroach below ground, never dies for very long.

If it helps you...you mean SO MUCH to US.... to ......ME. Without you...the six might not have survived Malice and Blackout's assault.

<< looking at this man, Morgan allowed her icy violet eyes to gaze upon him, unashamed that she enjoyed the sight of him and his presence. she did, however, a bit embarrased as she admitted basically she had feelings for him.>>

I'm so USED to "doing it alone"...thats probably why i wasnt very popular on Valiant years before The Six. I've always felt like i have to be prepared to do it alone..whatever it may be...that's why i stupidly attacked Master Mold by myselfe that night. .but...it's NICE to know that i don't HAVE to be that way anymore...ive allowd myself to WAKE UP and realize that the team is stronger than its individual parts and that i dont HAVE to be perfect all the time.

as i told Delilah and Alison it's nice..to be human....and standing here with you...it's nice to know that a man might actually....

<< she wanted to say "love her", but she was a bit embarrased. as she faltered.>>

....be...of a good heart and spirit.

<< she tried that as her recovery.>>

I'm glad you're going to the Cell with me. If we can find some clue or ANYTHING to help us help Haleigh...that will put us FAR closer to resolution than we are now.

<< she smiled a bit, brushing her hair out of her face as the winds whistled a bit.>>

Ororo and my mother would be so proud of me right now. Here i am with Nicolas, allowing myself to ACCEPT the feelings i have for him...and ENJOY his presence. to work with him and allow herself to care about him the way her heart WANTED her to.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< as Karen seated herself and Cameron sat on the other half of the sectional across the coffee table, he accepted her offer for tea.>>

Okay, let me get it for you.

<< twitching her nose ala' Samantha from Bewitched, that odd twinkling sound was heard as Karen whipped up a fresh cup and saucer with Cameron's choice of tea. it appeared right before him on the coffee table. :D a reminder of where Morgan got her bewitching ways from.>>

<< as the settled in to talk while the sun slowly set, Karen lightly stroked the kitten's forehead as it had desided to nestle in next to her leg. Tinkerbell was now grooming herself and seemed to be too wrapped up in that to notice Cameron at the moment.>>

Okay, I guess I just wanted to hash over a few things. I am back, that in itself is a miracle. I have this second chance at life, and it is all just so confusing. I can really make the changes in my life I need to and really do what I always wanted to do. The only thing is I don't know what that is.. I have been thinking.. I don't want King Enterprises back, nor do I want anything to do with the Parthenon. Those were all deals I made and success I had because of a blatent abuse of my powers. I want to go back to school.. I did go to school you know, back in Los Angeles, when I was first starting my Stocbroking Firm. I had finish all of my general education. I just never went back.. I want to, and now it's just confusing because how can I do ANY of this? To the world I am DEAD. Even if I changed my identity, I still have this FACE! This BODY! I still look into the mirror when I wake up and see..HIM. And while my past is a part of me, it is getting harder to want to make these changes while I feel like I am destined to live out my days in hiding.."

What you're experiencing, the fact that you can even acknowledge these questions, shows that you understand the gravity of your situation and the unique position you are in. whether this is going to be easy or difficult, i couldnt say for certain, but right now, with all the problems facing your team and Alycia, the proper attention that needs to be given to your situation hasnt been shown yet. Alycia came here specifically to help with your problem, again, putting herself at risk as she has done in the past when she covered up the circumstances of blaze's death, the cause of the inferno and other situations that could have spelled disaster for this building and its inhabitants.

<< sipping on her tea, Karen sets the cup down on the saucer and brings her legs up under again as she sitsup on the couch sideways with arm across the back of the couch. for an older woman, Karen had a nice physical frame and it was clear she took care of her body and she didnt realize how much Cameron appreciated seeing her in this more relaxed, casual appearence that she was now in. it helped him to feel more comfortable talking with her again so soon after the incident several floors below.>>

you know, if i may be allowed a moment of candor, you and Alycia are not the only ones who made progress today. I made progress too. I saw in you, something i had never seen before and in those moments, i realized that you HAD changed. Youve endured something MORE than what could be defined as an "emotionall corrective experience", and you've come away with it with a greater sense of the "big picture", its caused you to reevaulate yourself on many levels...and you didnt need the help or cue of a therapist to do that.

<< looking down at the kitten, Karen smiled a bit before looking at Cameron again. her facial expression not nearly as stern as it was a few moments ago.>>

My daughter has had this same sort of struggle, following the Inferno. but her issue was compounded by so many things. There are things about your past you want to get away from and YOU have a slight advantage over her in that respect. Looking ahead is a good thing, but I think right now..you should look directly in front of you. You will have time to create a new life and whether it includes pieces of your past that are restructured to fit this current phase, or a WHOLE NEW canvas for you to creat something completely different...i cant say. What you will do with your life cant begin to be a question until Alycia has made certain that the fact that you ARE alive again does not become a source of suspicion for any federal agencies or the insurance companies that paid out upon the time of your apparent death.
But what i CAN say is that there's someone here who needs you..and her name is Haleigh.

<< she pauses for a moment as she looks over her finely manicured nails, it was a move that resembled something Morgan would do. like mother, like daughter.>>

Haleigh, is...in a bad way right now, and thus far NONE of us have been able to effectively help her to control herself or this situation, but what i CAN say, based on what i've observed is that Zach is NOT doing a very good job right now. There's something about him that i've begun to notice, since Alycia arrived. Something that suggest he's feeling CONVICTED about something and instead of addressing it, he's all TOO EAGER to make Alycia the scape goat. Avoid any possible scrutiny of himself by trying to make HER the pariah of Illustra and the Six.

<< smirking a bit to herself as she looks out of the panoramic window>>

a pity he doesnt realize that I am far from fooled by his "loyal, devoted consort" facade. Haleigh is one problem...the MAIN problem...but HE is compounding it. I dont know WHAT IT IS just yet...but my refusing his presence in today's session was specifically because of that.

Haleigh may think she's a big tough bad ass, but i know better. I saw her as she went through the course of the spell i cast on her to FORCE HER to face HERSELF and ALL of her toxic ways the night that Alycia killed Stavros...it touched her in a way she didnt think she could be, and it made her do a MAJOR about face...even if it was only for a while.

But INSPITE of the core to her being...even i have my limits..not just as a therapist..but as a WOMAN, the mother of the woman she once tormented, the FRIEND of a woman she continues to justify mistreating and abusing...its HARD for me to remain objective and to want to keep trying to help someone who clearly does not think she needs help and THOSE are the kinds of cases that turn out to be the MOST TRAGIC. Alison's own precognition showed one distinct and very possible outcome that would be realized for ALL of us if Haleigh did not change and soon. I fear that we are at the 11th hour of that outcome now.

<< looking at her cup of tea, Karen realized that Cameron didnt want to talk about haleigh, but what HE might not have realized is that Ororo knew and Karen knew that Cameron might be the BEST person to try to reach Haleigh where it counted most..before it was too late. Zach, for whatever reason, was NOT destined to be "the one" for Haleigh and somehow...all of this..including Sharon was connected to it. Karen HAD to clue him in to this, so that HE could be better prepared.>>

I think what you need to focus on NOW...is being there for Haleigh. you not only have a second chance at life, you have a chance to make one hell of a difference in the life of a woman who most needs it. and it is perhaps THIS one thing that will help us ALL...you would make Alison VERY proud if you prooved to be the variable that diverts the vision she had from coming to pass.

[Oracle]

<< as the sun sets on the city, the sun also sets on the lives of the unsuspecting attendents of St. Patrick's cathedral.>>

<< while Ava cares for Haleigh, Delilah appeals to Alycia, Karen and Cameron talk, Nicolas and Morgan bond, there is someone ELSE going about their evening too, only her actions are not nearly as peacefull or beneficial...except maybe to her.>>

<< fast forward from Illustra, across town to the majestic cathedral, as the shadows begin to lenthen from the setting sun, the flutter of wings can be heard in the evening air. crows begin to flock onto the various steepels and statues high above on the Church's roof top area. Crows have long been an ominous symbol of doom and even death, and in this instance they will live up to that reputation.>>


<< are larger shadow of feminine form casts dead center on the front face of the cathedral. INSIDE the cathedral the various in house residents and staff prepare to close up the administrative functions for the evening. the comforting and serene silence of the massive, barrel vaulted ceiling sanctuary often brings solace and peace to those who come in during the evening for confessional or to pray or to just sit and meditate and ponder things within the house of the lord.>>

<< tonight though, this house will be anything BUT peacefull.>>

[Silver Swan]

[ everything seems new and different to her. she views it all from a vantage point she never had before when she was HUMAN.]

[ Sharon Kelly aka. The Silver Swan soars through the twilight skies with directed, focused speed and aim as if she were an arrow let loose by a vengefull archer. her target? she doesnt have one really, her mind and her heart SCREAM for vengeance against Haleigh Davidoff but until she can find HER..she's content to do what comes naturally to her know...KILL!]

[ She's already murdered two/thirds of the remaining "suits" of Mystech as she liberated herself from her containment, but what she didnt realize was that she was doing exactly what Rick Riley WANTED her to do. She eliminated HIS "dead weight" and now he was able to strike out against HIS enemies using all the resources he had and to his pleasure. Sharon Kelly was his unwitting pawn, even NOW....murdered before by MysTech, now being MANIPULATED by them, but she was too mad, too driven by chaotic hatred to know what she had become...or at what price...and why. all she knew was that it was HALEIGH'S FAULT!]

[ as she closed in on the cathedral, several birds did their best to keep up with her. she was their pied piper and they were held in her thrall. as the crows landed in ever greater numbers on and around the cathedral, they were a dark herald to her own arrival as she swooped down and landed perfectly on her high heel standing before the massive double doors.]

[ she looked up...faint , jumbled memories and associates flashed through her mind....like the flickering play back on a grey screen.]

Alycia in a suit, Haleigh, Clandestine Inc guards around the church...but then the images flicker like a television on the fritz...and she remembers HOW she came to be here before! hot, painfull blast...Master Mold...scream! broken body...tears...DEATH. SHE DIED..HALEIGH LIVED!

[ Sharon's now silver eyes narrowed with evil as she pushed open the doors and stepped inside. not caring what she looked like or who saw her. a few birds hurridly flew in as well...roosting high above in the ceiling as if to watch what was about to happen. Sharon moved through the sancturary, looking with a curiosity as she tilted her head a bit. there was familiarity here...she hadnt just been here after her death...there was something from BEFORE!]

images...of her, with her husband, Robert Kelly and their son Kyle, a young mutant. she was a wife, a mother...she'd been married her HERSELF...her CHILD was christened here...her spiritual sustenance had come from here...and it was the most "recent" memory she had to grasp to for the night she had died...only hours EARLIER she'd been here..PRAYING that the lord place her in a position to help mutants so that NONE of them would endure what her SON had endured...the lord had seemingly answered her prayer for the night she died..she had also WON the senate race.

[ Sharon stopped for a moment...placing her hand over her heart as she stumbled..placing her other hand on the side of a pew for support...was she in pain? was the HUMANITY of her heart overpowering the horrid programming of MysTech? she shut her eyes tightly as she saw her husband..and Kyle...]

......

my...son?

[ she whispered...her soft voice echoing as the birds above fluttered a bit.]

[ as she closed her eyes...she rembered ALYCIA again...her dear friend and colleague...and Morgan, Alison, Delilah.......even Alexis...she didnt know that Alexis was now dead, or that Alison was gone...all she could remember was that Morgan, Delilah, Alison...were her FRIENDS....]

friends...? alive.....must find....

[ this was the REAL sharon....not just a reanimated body...or a clone...her OWN memories were trying to reassert themselves..but the programming of mystech was so deeply entrenched, and reinforced by internal cybernetic implants and other mystech technology...that her body and mind began to rebel...she dragged her silver nails across the pew, deeply gouging and scratching through it as she released a muffled cry.]

HALEIGH DAVIDOFF!! SHE TOOK THIS AWAY FROM ME!! SHE IS THE REASON i'm HERE NOW...I DONT KNOW WHAT I AM ANYMORE!! I DONT KNOW WHY IM BACK...but I WILL KILL HER BEFORE I DIE!

[ Sharon straightens up...her eyes open again...a bit misty but the evil glint returns as she walks with renwed purpose and direction, making her way to the administrative offices....to find and KILL.]

[inside the reception area.]

Secretary: OH!! you startled me....i didnt....

[ the secretary, an older, conservatively dressed woman, looks at the tall, striking and bizarely dressed Sharon Kelly...her FACE...the woman recognizes it from articles in the news paper...she was THERE for the memorial...she GASPS with disbelief as she calls for her coworkers....but as they arrive...they are just intime for DEATH. This was THEIR angel of death!]

[ Sharon hisses with contempt as she spreads her arms and spins "wonder woman" style. so fast..she begins to create a malestrom wind effect as she unleashes a high velocity volley of spinning stars that pelt and SLICE UP the hapless church workers...blood SPRAYS the walls as their screams destroy the serene silence of the cathedral. their bodies fall to the ground at various points..mutilated, bloodied with horrid , twisted looks of FEAR on their faces. spinning stars firmly embedded in their bodies , flesh and skin now sprayed and spattered across the walls and floor of the office.... they are but the FIRST. Sharon moves on...snapping necks, impaling others, and dispatching ANYONE she finds in the church as she makes her way to find the priest...the man who helped Alycia eulogize her...the man who, before THAT, had MARRIED her and Robert in holy matrimony!]

[ as the sun sets on the city, the silver swan make sure that it sets on the lives of more than a few as she makes her way closer to her ultimate object of hatred..HALEIGH DAVIDOFF.]

[Oracle]

<< and so, as Sharon Kelly beats a bloody path toward Haleigh, Illustra's private residential floors settle for the evening. We now find ourselves looking in on Alycia and Delilah. Alycia, who had tried her best today at the session was left feeling like she'd been slapped by Haleigh and her stupid rudness. the woman was fed up with Haleigh and HERSELF for ever having held Haleigh in such a position of trust, but it couldnt be helped NOW.>>

<< after the meeting with Morgan, and various members of the team went to other floors, Alycia was still sitting in the private alcove off the 99th floor when Delilah arrived. Nicolas and Morgan were headed off to the Cell, Ava was up several floors with Haleigh and Cameron was talking with Karen. >>

<< Delilah approached Alycia with care and concern. what would come of it?>>

[Alycia Barnett]

:: in that cozy, private alcove down the hall of the 99th floor, Alycia sat, massaging her temples with her hands.::

:: her mind had settled and her thoughts were not nearly as venomous as they were earlier. She didnt see the outcome of the meeting and to be honest, she didnt care. Right NOW she had to find a way to leave Illustra quietly so that she could get on with her own mission. but before she could make a move, she heard someone coming, it was Delilah.::

"Alycia? You came back. I'm glad."

[ As she got closer, Delilah saw just HOW agitated Alycia was. ]

"Are you allright? Did something else happen?"



:: Alycia looked up slowly for where she was sitting.::

No offense, Delilah, but are you REALLY glad? because i saw you in that room a while ago. It looked to ME like you were just as unhappy with me as Nicolas. I dont have to be a telepath to know that everyone around here seems to think I'm the one with the problem. I thought you were my FRIEND!

:: Alycia didnt get crazy or violent, she simply wanted an explanation from Delilah.::

It seems like there's a polarization going on around here and I just don't get how I can be blamed for all of the malfunctions and meltdowns that Haleigh is having. I have EVERY RIGHT to have an issue with her. while i agree that the time has come to address it, and I availed myself to that end, I wasnt the one who WILLFULLY derailed the entire session!

:: she leaned back against the wall.::

the EMP wand WAS a shock, i know. But as i explained back in the room a moment ago, that arsenal that i carry is standard. I have access and privilage to cutting edge anti personnel technology and my PERSONAL mission was to Investigate the Cell..or what remained of it under ground.

do you remember what happened to me the LAST time i was there, Delilah? I wasnt ABOUT to go through that again. if it turns out that Rick Riley HAS returned...it's MY RIGHT to have my REVENGE on him...and this is one time where REVENGE EQUALS JUSTICE!

:: Delilah would remember her saying this the night she killed Stavros..but in BOTH cases, could there really be any argument? Rick brutalized alycia and nearly raped sharon. Alycia was MORE than capable of defending herself against him NOW with her training and weaponry and if he died while she tried to apprehend him...where was the harm?::

My coming to Illustra was only to help out with the situation with Cameron. i had NO interest on attacking or capturing Haleigh even though THAT is well within the scope of my powers AND the pentagon is pretty much ASKING WITHOT ASKING me to do just that. I'm in a compromised position, as i have ALWAYS been only now...more than a few people dont seem to get that.

Do i look like i give a damn what ZACH thinks and does Ava really think she has the right to take exception with me? SHE should be IN JAIL herself...whether or NOT her "essence has been merged with another being via the power of the seige perilous." the LAW is the law and SHE is the daughter of one of the world's most dangerous arms dealers. he may be dead..but SHE was an accessory before AND after the fact not to mention a host of OTHER charges. Have i lowered the boon on HER? NO..i COVERED for her and ensured that she could blend IN to society here in NYC without being red flagged.

so tell me, Delilah, HOW is it that i'm suddenly the pariah in this building? what is it...because the team roster changes..i'm suddenly EXPENDABLE?

:: a fair question, one that Alycia couldnt wait to hear an answer from...all the way from start to finish.::

meanwhile, I'm sitting here...while Morgan goes off to basically STEAL my mission from me. I know that's not her INTENTION, but because of this "Delicate situation" i'm being KEPT from my duties as a federal official.

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah was a bit taken aback by Alycia's biting words. She knew she was upset, but she didn't expect Alycia to blame her. She sat down next to Alycia. ]

"Alycia, of course you're not expendable. If I thought you were, I wouldn't be here. You're my friend."

[ Delilah looked away for a moment, and exhaled sharpy. She turned back to Alycia. ]

"It's true, I feel that you were a little hard on Cameron. It's not his fault he returned from the dead - it wasn't his choice. You can't blame him for that. I admit it - but I feel like I can tell you these things as your friend."

[ She tried to gauge how Alycia was taking what she'd said so far. Was she even listening? ]

"As for Haleigh...I was wondering if I could get one of those EMP wands myself..."

[ She smiled hesitatingly. ]

"Haleigh is dangerous in her present state. I won't allow you or anyone else to be hurt by it. THAT is why we need to get to the bottom of this, why we need to stop whatever is going on. Heck, most of the time I don't even like Haleigh. She loves to play the martyr, and of course Zach, Cameron and Ava are going to side with her. But this whole situation affects more than just her, more than just us. We can't just leave her hung out to dry."

[ Her face turned serious and she looked pointedly at Alycia. ]

"We need you, Alycia. Not for who you work for, or what resources you have. But because you are a friend, and a part of this team. No one wants to steal your mission - you know Morgan, she always has to do everything herself. You aren't expendable, but it seems like YOU are the one who wants out. That you have made US expendable..."

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Delilah justly defended herself from Alycia's scathing words as she sat down next to her. Alycia didnt object, instead she listened, and to her surprise, Delilah was NOT the way she believed her to be at this point.::

:: resting her hand on her chest, Alycia exhaled.::

You know, you're right....I realize how silly and irrational i was being about Cameron. I just CANT get used to the way people in THIS building come BACK FROM THE DEAD....its just not what i was raised to expect. but then again, i never thought i'd count two super powered witches and a mutant as my closest friends either in my adult life. In THIS instance, I was an ASS toward Cameron and i know it...and though it felt like i was racing off the edge of a cliff with my eyes wide open, I knew it was time to swallow my pride and apologize to him. It was the right thing to do, and i'm woman enough to realize i needed to stop holding something over him that he had no control over.

I feel like YOU can get where i'm coming from on some issues, and i want you to know that i REALLY appreciate you respecting me enough and valuing our friendship enough to keep it real with me, Delilah.



:: looking over at Delilah as the woman continued, Alycia's facial expression was much softer now.::


I KNOW i'm not "all there" right now, but i feel like i'm ENTITLED to a moment or two of weakness after ALL that's happened over the past year. I mean...WHO wakes up and thinks that in their WILDEST dreams they will be keeping company with a group of people who have the power among them to destroy the city or even the country? Many of the rules of the game...you know what i mean...in the legal and political arena have gone OUT OF THE WINDOW when dealing with this group.

Morgan...she's not just a friend or a business contact...she's my "HOME GIRL"

:: in a moment of absentminded levity, Alycia bobs her head, mimicking a hand gesture that she and Morgan would do to each other at partiers that they attended togeter.:: .

She's frickin fantastic but sometimes i feel like i get swept away by her whirlwind ...just the way she IS and does things. She's a very "take charge" kind of woman..and so am i...but when it comes to THIS TEAM... I feel that sometimes, I am blown away by her. Karen has indicate that I can be harsh, and sometimes i down right 'STEAM ROLL' over people. Both Cameron and Haleigh expressed that was how they felt...that made me feel bad... and THAT was something itself because i never feel bad about ANYTHING. I realize that Karen was right...it was time for me to REEXAMINE some things that i was doing. i was letting my fears and resentment turn me into the kind of BULLY i had dedicated my life to fighting.


:: taking her brooch off her lapell, Alycia kept it in her hand and closed her fist around it.::

all that i've done for the six, i wouldnt change a thing....not any of it. I have been HAPPY to do what i can, and i will continue to do so. Not just because of my firendship with Morgan, Alison or you..but because in my heart i feel its the RIGHT THING and my parents taught me to follow my heart..my INSTINCT...and that lesson has kept me going thus far.


we need each OTHER..because if something happens..If i make one misstep..i'm DONE for. no matter how "TOUGH" or "LARGE" my reputation was or is...if the secret of the six and my willing complicity is exposed...not only will i be RUINED beyond recovery on capitol hill and in the legal world, but i'll be branded a traitor...they may even try to "cancel" me. i walk a tightrope now...and i never realized how much of a catch 22 situation i'd find myself in now that i've accepted this position.

::she couldnt help but laugh a bit as Delilah asked for an EMP wand herself. SOMEONE who finally wasnt acting like Alycia had committed original sin! it was refreshing. Deliah was smart, rational and she had the instincts of a cop, this allowd her to make quick and usually accurate assesments and just because she didnt always SPEAK on them..didnt mean she was going with the crowd's opinion. ::



I dont want to abandon you, or morgan..or this TEAM ...but HALEIGH continues to put me at an ethical dilemma...the TRUTH is, Delilah, that the pentagon wants her...and they want her NOW. They "hope" that during my mission to discover the goings on at the Cell that i managet to capture Haleigh. I'm stalling them as they stall each other on so many things...and so far it's working...but i gotta tell you, Dee....i'm losing my desire to run interference at my own risk for this woman. I really am.


:: resting her forehead in her the palm of her other hand, her raven black locks fall forward.::

I have my moments, where i give in to some irrational thinking...Karen helped me to realize that's to be expected but I've been STUCK in that for too long and now i'm getting OUT of it.

To be honest..i dont know what the hell is going on with Haleigh. Morgan hopes to find a clue at the Cell and I should be the one to be there right now. Zach is inconsequential to me. He always has been. I just hope that whatever is causing Haleigh her troubles does not FORCE me to act in my capacity as a federal official and if Zach OR Ava get in my way...i'll hang BOTH of them out to dry.

But on a deeper level? I REALLY hope it does not come to that.

:: looking at Delilah::

the truth is that..i dont want to hurt or kill Haleigh, i just want her to understand that she's caused me ALOT of damage and to this moment, she seems to think that i DESERVED it and should be GLAD ive endured the crap i've gone through while its okay for her to leave chaos and destruction in her wake. I dont want to hurt her, but just like I can now defend myself against Rick Riley if he turns out to be alive...i possess the ability to protect myself from HER as well. I WONT be a victim.

BUT, i realize too that to go LOOKING for trouble, to engage in scare tactics..which i admit, the EMP wand was partially for that, THAT was no good either.

:: she looked at Delilah::

still, if you want a copy of the wand, I'll have one fed ex'ed to you after i get back to the pentagon.

:: she winked a bit at Delilah, allowing herself to enjoy another moment of levity::

you know? I think i might be okay after all...Dr. Victoria does good work, she pulls you OUT of your dysfunctional comfort zone and challenges you, but she simultaneously provides you with the tools you need to succeed. its just a matter of being open minded..and WILLING enough. She KNEW it was in me and instead of bashing me or trying to burn me at the state for "appearences", she confronted me , held me accountable and allowed ME to pull myself up.

[Rampage]

Be of good heart and spirit, eh?

Nicolas toyed with Morgan a bit as she spoke in uncomfortable tones. He was reading her, and well. It was giving him the resolve to continue to pursue this. He had already decided that the time to sit back and be the "new guy" had passed, in ALL areas. He was gratified that it seemed to be going pretty well overall. Morgan spoke next of finding a resolution to the current situation and he smiled.

I have no doubt that we will fix this situation in time. As for the "other" situation..

Nicolas kissed Morgan deep and strong, conveying much more than the gentility she often spoke of.

When this is done, we will have much to discuss, much to experience. And if you're REALLY nice to me, I'll wear the battlesuit.

Nicolas winked as he grasped Morgan's hand, standing beside her.

Queen of Limbo, we move forward at your command...

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan looked away, glad that her blowing hair hid the blush in her cheeks as Nicolas saw right through her "recovery"...but it was NO MORE obvious than HIS a moment earlier. even as he spoke on, she was lost in thought...>>

I feel so SILLY.....i....

<< She found herself being embraced and kissed..her icy violet eyes widened for a bit, but as she caught sight of a demon flying high above, she realized...why resist? why now? NOW was as good a time as ANY! she closed her eyes..and returned his effection as she wrapped her arms around him and ran her gloved hands down his back.>>

<< finally the let go and Morgan stood up...running her gloved hand through her hair and trying to look LESS than effected by his kiss...>>

DAMN HIM....

<< she thought, as she felt warm and fuzzy inside...THANKFULL that no one else was there to see it. not even ALISON and her notoriously voyeuristic eyes.>>

I look forward to it, dear Nicolas...

<< she said softly but with certainty in her tone as she looked across the endless expanse of her realm. with her hand in his, and with their resolve strong as ever, Morgan summons a disc, and teleports them from Limbo to earth...back to NYC and to the underground lair of what was once THE CELL.>>

[Oracle]

<< the icy heart of the sorceress and the firey heart of the mutant were finding a balance as their bond was now strengthened by a moment of tenderness and honesty. this moment would serve as the solid foundation for things to come and it would appear that Ororo and Karen had known all along that Nicolas would be the best suitor for their shared daughter, Morgan....even HECATE knew it and now...Morgan and Nicolas were FEELING it.>>

<< in the twinkling of her eye, Morgan and Nicolas are teleported form the eldritch dimension of Limbo, back to earth...NYC and to the site in a derelict industrial area of town where the warehouse front of the Cell once stood, but because the building was gone, it appeared to be a vacant lot so Morgan teleports them below ground to the sprawling complex that included tunnels, dungeons and even below THAT...a technological Cell that offered express jet tunnels to connect the cell to the citadle and seemingly abandonned "medical office" store front that the six had came through a year ago.>>


<< below ground, it was now dark and dank. vision was not as clear, save for the imbded illumination pads in the earthen walls and the torches neare the dungeons where the bones of long dead prisoners and bio hazards remained. there was the sound of dripping water that echoed in the air ...and the path that Morgan and Nicolas had to take was narrow...Nicolas would have to crouch down, so would Morgan for that matter.>>

<< after making their way through the tunnel, Morgan would remember some of the terrain...seeing the dead carcasses of some antlions and dust covered parts of destroyed sentinels.>>

<< as Morgan indicated she remembered this area, she moved on...finally coming to a stone wall...that seemed a dead end. the sound of animals...savage animals could be heard...as if they were lurking in the shadows but there was no obvious place for them to be and as Morgan felt her way around the wall, she unkowingly brushed against the secret access pad...and caused a passage to open up...THIS door way giving way to a cutting edge designed passage, with cold metal floors and the soft hum of power. THIS was where they needed to go.>>

[Jill Monroe]

here we are.

<< Morgan said quietly as she was able to stand up full and walk through the door way leading down with a slopped ramp. her high heeled boots made much noise as she walked along the metal floor that seemed to glisten with a fiberoptic effect.>>

I wasnt here the last time i attacked the Cell. we'd only gotten as far as those caves....this must be the nerve center. it was so well insulated that neither Haleigh NOR Alison could get a solid fix on it before. we were so worried that we might lose sharon and alycia....

<< the caper at the cell was one that happened so fast, it was like being caught on a high speed ride at an amusement park that wouldnt stop for a moment. being back here...and this place...though it was supposed to be DESERTED, gave Morgan a bad feeling.>>

<< they entered into the control room first...the liquid crystal monitor was still running..though it now fluxed intermitently..and there was BLOOD sprayed and spattered over the screen...spinning stars were logged into the screen, the walls, control consoles...even the floor...>>

look!

<< she pointed to the now long dead, mutilated bodies of two men...they had been SLICED THE HELL UP!>>

what the hell happened here!!

<< Morgan looked with apprehension more than disgust. she'd seen her own demons tear a person limb from limb while they were ALIVE...but THIS..this not only precise..it was down right SAVAGE OVER KILL.>>

these men have been multilated..almost BEYOND recognition...blood and decaying flesh..EVERYWHERE and...these metal "stars"...they are all embedded...like they were unleashed in a high speed hailing pattern.

<< the liquid crystal monitor indicated a visual...of HALEIGH in her apartment...RIGHT NOW. it seemed too fluent to be old footage..and given the look on Haleigh's face and that Ava was just entering the room..it made Morgan suspect the worst.>>

that monitor...is it LIVE? that's HALEIGH, Zach and AVA!!! they have a VISUAL into Illustra as we SPEAK??

<< all this and they had YET to explore the lab where Sharon Kelly had escaped from.>>

<< this control room, despite its darkness, and technolocial splendor, had been the sight of a savage blood bath, yet there as no one in plain sight...and now, Nicolas and Morgan BOTH could see that someone was MORE than tapping into Illustra, they had FULL ON VISUAL feed.>>

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron listened to Karen's words. She was really wise and it sucked that Cameron hadn't realized it before. It was so funny, a year ago, these two would NEVER be in the same room alone with each other actually TALKING about life. He took a sip of the tea she had conjured up for him as she talked about her own personal growth. He was proud of himself and it showed. Karen and Alycia had both made strides in their relationship with him and at this moment in time, even with everything going on, he couldn't be happier. ::

"I see that in both you and Alycia, Karen. Hearing Alycia's words was almost worth coming back for. To have my personal change recognized by people of influence in the Six is just great. It is theraupetic in itself and has really helped me. And for your words, I thank you."

:: The subject changed to Haleigh. He had only not brought her up because he felt it would have been a subject of irritation for Karen and felt it would have been better to discuss at a different time. What she was saying had made alot of sense. She talked of how what he needed to focus on right now was Haleigh. He began to think maybe Ororo brought him back at this time for a reason. Maybe he was the only one that could truly HELP her? The telepath responded. ::

"I understand your feelings about Zach, so you can see why I was so surprised and thrown off when I found out she is actually planning on marrying him. He is a decent guy, but he is a guy that will LET Haleigh be destructive simply because he likes to pick up the pieces and he likes to be the go to guy. He always has been. Alexis was my go to girl. Whenever it got messy or icky with Haleigh, I went straight to Alexis. Haleigh had been with Zach the entire time we were together so it was a little different on her side, but Haleigh liked having that "comfort". She used Zach like comfort food and if he can't see that, or chooses to ignore it, then he is an idiot.."

:: He took another sip of the tea, taking a moment to look at Tinkerbell. It had been awhile since he had seen her, and he was surprised she didn't hiss and have a hissy fit at the mere prescence of him in her mother's apartment. ::

"I mean really any man who sits by and says nothing when a lover from Haleigh's past comes and barges in on them while they are choosing a church for their future wedding is spineless. I don't get him, but that is another story. I know Haleigh probably better than anyone else here, except for perhaps Ava. She is a beautiful disaster and I love her. Look... I know there may have been other reasons for me coming back besides just to come back. And I think I have realized it. I think I am the only one who can HELP her. I can REACH her like none of you can't. She knows me, and though she refuses to admit it, I know, deep down in her heart, she LOVES me too. I know I would win if it came down to a situation of saving Zach or saving me, hands down she would choose me. I know that. I want to let you know Karen, I will do everything in my power and everything in my heart to save her. I will do whatever it takes in order to disprove Alison's vision. It's just I don't know where to start..."

:: He winked at Karen a little and smirked. ::

"Well getting rid of Zach would be a great start. Is it wrong to hope he doesn't make it out alive of this one?"

:: He chuckled to himself. He was only kidding but he knew in order to reach Haleigh, Zach would have to be out of the picture, and the sooner the BETTER. ::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< the doctor listened as Cameron seemed to realize and focus on how he could be immediately effective by helping Haleigh. However, the impetuous nature that he'd always had began to rear its head.>>

Don't over estimate your influence, Cameron.

<< she admonished as she waved her hand disapproprivingly as Tinkerbell came over to her for some attention.>>

Haleigh is never tolerable for very long...by ANYONE. She's maligned her own sister at times...don't think she wont do it to you. You can't just barge in and demand change or force her down a new path. That wont work, and right now, I'm not willing to ponder it to determine what WILL work. I've spent ENOUGH energy on that stubborn, willfull, misdirected child for one evening. Her problem is that she doesnt see that her own trainwreck is at hand.

<< Karen's voice was cold and biting as she spoke of Haleigh in dim light.>>

BEFORE you can ride to the rescue, you must first take care of yourself. One session with myself doesnt mean you're ready to rush out into the world. Alycia still has not done what she needs to do, and this is a very difficult time for everyone involved right now.

Before you attempt to undermine Zach, the growing suspicion that more than a few people have of him must be PROOVEN first and I'm not here to discuss plotting, I'm only suggesting that instead of you trying to plot your entire life's course at once, that you treat this one day at a time. You have the buffer of being here or at the parthenon and the support of your team to keep you hidden. don't be in a hurry to add to your plate right now.

Prepare yourself for the DIFFICULTY that will come in trying to help Haleigh and DON'T think that you have all the answers. Before anything is done, we should wait for Nicolas and Morgan to return. I imagine they might provide something that we need in order to more effectively deal with Haleigh.

<< her own maternal bond with her daughter allowed her to know that Morgan was no longer in the building.>>


Because right now, If i had to call it as i saw it? a LOBOTOMY would be the best thing for her at this moment.

<< the disdain in her tone was apparent as she looked at her empty tea cup and saucer, waving her hand over the area where they sat, a rushing harp like sound is heard as they disappear from view with a ringing chime. She nodded with satisfaction before looking out of the panoramic window. No longer dusck, it was now dark out and the night time city skyline was coming into clear view.>>

[Oracle]

<< Karen may be softer on Cameron, but she is no fool, anyone can revert to type under the right circumstance and everyone in the six should remember that the biggest disasters often start with the best of intentions. Haleigh's problems are about to be illuminated by a whole new light.>>

<< while Alycia and Delilah decide to have a bite to eat and some refreshment, Ava continues to care for Haleigh, who is now at least settled and more calm. Zach continues to "look on", appearing more and more useless to more of the six and their allies with each passing moment, but it is not THEIR descision on whether or not to discard him...it is Haleigh's...and she will have a whole NEW set of issues arsing from the "triangle" she has unknowingly found herself in with Zach and Cameron.>>

<< St. Patrick's Cathedral has now been turned on its ear...becoming the unlikely "hide out" for a twisted new villainess. The hallowed walls and sacred grounds of this legendary cathedral now tainted with blood and violence as a most unholy and vengefull spirit now talks control. Some of the six may THINK they are prepared for what is coming...but they have NO CLUE.>>

<< and at the cell, Spellbinder and Rampage come upon a grizzly scene where the bodies of two men have been found, multilated and butchered beyond recognition. they also descover nerve center of the cell, and through the damaged computer consoles and other data feeds, there is startling evidence that these two men had an ongoing, constant feed of visual and other information into Illustra, the secret residential floors. who these men are...what they were doing is not immediately clear yet. more investigating wil have to be done..and there's still the lab just a room away as well.>>

<< While Rampage may have only had limited contact with MysTech thus far...Spellbinder should remember the "rule" that when moving about a dark, gloomy and often bloody area of MysTech's...there may be unpleasant surprises lurking in the shadows..and when searching for clues and digging up the past in such a dangerous place..you may find MORE than you wanted or could handle.>>

<< everything is so uncertain right now.>>

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron listened to her words. Softspoken and very true, she was right. Prophet knew he didn't have the answers, and he knew better than ANYBODY that Haleigh was not going to be saved or helped easily. He couldn't even get her to admit that she LOVED him when he was alive the first time around. Karen finished her words, Cameron took a moment to internalize before he responded. ::

"I understand, Karen. But you know how I feel about Haleigh. I would walk through fire for her.. and I think that is what scares me the most about her. She makes me WANT to care about her, she makes me WANT to save her, when by all external views, it would have pushed me away, something I think Zach and I might have in common, and I hate that. I am sorry I became so passionate about it..."

:: He took a moment to look out the panoramic windows as well. The night was falling and the city looked beautiful. The calm before the storm. It always seemed that way in the Six. Cameron continued. ::

"I know, I know... I am not by ANY means ready to go chase the world. I know I need continued help. I know it's going to be rough, and I know it's an everyday process. I am not about to rush down stairs and whisk Haleigh away on a white horse, I am just willing to do that if it was NECESSARY, I am willing to do ANYTHING at this point.."

:: Cameron took a deep breathe. How would this question go down with the Doctor. ::

"I do have one question for you, Dr. Victoria. I know your clientele is something besides my type of problems, but really, I feel you are the only person I can come to in order to get the help I need. With other therapists, I won't be able to be completely open and candid. I was wondering if you would take me on as a client. I know it puts you in a sensitive position, but I am REALLY serious about changing my life around, and I think, after all that I lost, and everything I used to be, I get you and your words, you make sense to me now. Call that a revelation, call that maturing, call it whatever. But I need help Karen, and I need your help.."

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah patted Alycia's hand. She was relieved that it didn't appear that their friendship was in fact over. ]

"You and Haleigh have a long history...and it's going to take a while to work through all those emotions. You don't have to resolve everything all at once. And you don't have to be best friends, either."

[ She smiled, remembering her thought from earlier that if they didn't hate each other so much, Alycia and Haleigh would make good friends. ]

"Alycia...you know we appreciate all you do for us. And that if you WERE ever compromised...we would protect your safety with our lives. Even Haleigh. Well, probably Haleigh. Okay, maybe Haleigh...well there's a chance that Haleigh might not call the authorities on you."

[ Delilah smiled big and stood up, turning towards Alycia. ]

"Let's get something to eat...it's been a long day."

[Alycia Barnett]

:: Alycia stood up as well.::

sounds like a plan to me.

:: she smiled a bit as they left the alcove and walked down to the elevator of the 99th floor and departed that level.::

:: she appreciated being able to clear the air with Delilah but there was one more thing on her mind. NOW she debated on whether or not to tell Delilah she was leaving Illustra ...or to just slip away without saying a word. SHE had a mission to complete and while her personal issue with Haleigh needed to be resolved, she had a duty to Washington and THAT was priority.::

:: If Rick Riley WAS alive and behind the new activity within the cell...SHE had to capture him..NOT the Six and Alycia was going to make SURE that he "died while resisting apprehension". Rick had MORE to answer for than JUST his capital crimes...Alycia had a SCORE to settle...and NO ONE would stand in her way. JUSTICE AND REVENGE were the same thing in this instance to HER.::

:: she didnt want to hurt her friends, or to deceive them...but the more she wrestled with this in her mind, the more it became a harder to figure out just WHICH WAY to go. the more she thought about it, the more she realized just how RIGHT Karen was. this went BEYOND Haleigh and with each passing moment....it became more CLEAR who the object of her vengeance was supposed to be and how FORTUNATE that she was now in the PERFECT position to make sure that ONE WAY OR THE OTHER...Rick would not escape this time. ::

:: realizing that she was losing herself in thought, she came back in focus and looked at Delilah.::

It's evening now, the birds shouldnt be a problem...I don't think. Let's go to a coffee house nearby. I could use a change of scenery.

:: the elevator whisks down to the subbasement of Illustra where most of the vehicals are kept.::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< changing positions as she sat, Karen placed the mewing kitten in her lap and gently stroked its head, helping to calm it. she looke down for a moment, making soft shushing noises. every now and then, this kitten would be a little fussy when Morgan was around.>>

<< Cameron was firm in his resolve. For Haleigh's sake, that was a good thing. A man who could take all she might have...and dish it right back to her. He wouldnt be a trophy or a consort...he'd FORCE her to address things and THAT would be a much needed antidote to the endless parade of enablers that had helped Haleigh reach the point she was at now. Karen was even allowing herself the private hope that Cameron would keep Haleigh out of HER hair for a while. quite honestly, the doctor was SICK of her.>>

I'm sure that you will address your issues with Haleigh with as much zeal as you did many OTHER things in your past. Only NOW...the goal you have in mind will be MUTUALLY b eneficial instead of BEFORE when you were more of a predator than anything else toward people you dealt with.

<< looking rather disdainfull at this point.>>

I for one will be glad to see Haleigh occupied with a foil that can withstand her torrent of toxic dysfunction. perhaps YOU will be the antidote to her insufferable nonsense.

<< as Cameron asked Karen to become his therapist, she looked at him with a sharp expression of surprise. was the question impertenant? perhaps...was he asking too much too soon? that was the flash instinct that she had, but as her eye brows lowered and her eyes softened in their glare, she thought about it for a moment. If he was WILLING to accept guidance and experience, to allow wisdom to temper his own judgement ...then this was the opportunity she had. she would succeed with him where NOTHING short of an act of the GODDESS would work with Haleigh.>>

<< not to remake him in her image, but to help him realize his own goals.>>

Well....while I freely admit that I am NEVER thrilled to have to be in the position that i am often placed in with various members of this team...

<< spoken again with an almost flowing disdain.>>

It was Nicolas who REMINDED me of how invaluable my assistance can be to some of you and how the truth IS that none of you COULD enlist the aid of any other therapist for any variety of reasons.

<< steeping her fingers under her chin as she seemed to ponder it for a moment.>>

I am encouraged by your progress and your resolve. you have come full circle and where as BEFORE you were driven by greed and an almost sociopathic compulsion, NOW that some drive is aimed at POSITIVE outcome for yourself and others. If it will help you to steady yourself as you plot this new course in life, then I will agree to counsel you but understand this...if you pull any kind of stunt that faintly resembles the CRAP that Haleigh pulls? I'm DONE with you.

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron listened as Karen spoke. He knew in asking this question that if she said yes that she would mean serious business. Cameron knew he had but ONE chance with the doctor and that if he messed up, this would mean that he would really have to be on his best behavior if he really wanted a change in his life. His gaze softened at Karen as he spoke. ::

"Thank you Karen... I know that it won't be easy. I know I am having a good day and I might not always be this open for discussion, and that is where I need you. I need somebody who is genuinely willing to help me, but can remain at a distance enough to be impartial. Again, thank you so much..."

:: He looked at the clock and decided he might want to give the Doctor a chance to rest, knowing that most definitely Morgan and Nicholas would be back soon and perhaps have some insight as to what to do with Haleigh and what to do to maybe help her, and more importantly what news they had if ANY about Sharon Kelly and her whereabouts. Cameron stood up as he brushed his clothes off, extending his hand. ::

"Well.. I think maybe I have had ENOUGH breakthroughs for one night, don't you? Don't want to run out of them. I will let you rest, but thank you for lending me your ears and your own perspective. Get some rest, I am sure tonight will bring SOMETHING of excitement and it would do us all good to get some sleep...Goodnight Dr. Victoria, thank you again..."

:: Cameron bid Karen a farewell and headed out the door, making his way down the hall and in the elevator where he had a final stop. Alison's floor, walking down the hall once more he lifted up a potted plant and found a key, a spare key to his sister's penthouse. He slowly put the key in the door and turned it, opening the door. A cold but inviting breeze blew past him as if the air conditioning was on. It was as if she still lived there. He laid down on the couch, his head laying on the cool material as he was left alone with his thoughts. ::

"One day at a time..."

:: He took a moment to close his eyes and began to fall into a light sleep. His eyes were tired and the events of the day had been draining, if he was going to be any help to the team, he would have to manage to get SOME rest, and besides, if Nicholas needed to reach him, he would still be alert and ready to help. But now, he took comfort in the place his sister once called home, feeling strangely secure and safe and feeling as if she were THERE in all of his surroundings. It was like he was able to be WITH his sister once more. And after a few moments of fleeting thoughts, he drifted to sleep. ::

[Rampage]

Nicolas accompanied Morgan down the abandoned corridor. When she triggered the hidden door switch, his eyes widened as they stepped into a gleaming hive of new technology that was COVERED on blood. Nicolas nodded in agreement as Morgan acknowledged the pattern of the stars as they tore into their targets. He lifted a couple of the stars that missed and tucked them into his strap for safekeeping, and to study later on. As they looked at the monitors, Morgan noted that they had a full visual feed of the entirety of Illustra, INCLUDING the residential floors.

Strange as it may seem, we need to leave this up for the moment, so we can analyze what they did to tap into our security feed. It's obvious that they have been watching us for a while, so maybe we can use this opportunity to analyze how they did it, not to mention to trace where the feed is most likely being RECORDED. In fact, I have been cooking an idea on how to prevent this in the future. If it works, THIS <<points to the monitor>> will become exponentially more difficult.

Nicolas looks around further as they move into the room...

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan stood up from the horribly multilated bodies as Nicolas spoke. She assumed he had a reason for wanting the monitor and its visual to stay up and running, technology was not her forte' and while she was comfortable with a PC and Illustra's security protocalls, THIS HERE was beyond her realm. She realized, though, that this nerve center was brimming with powerfull technological capability.>>

I hope you can make sense of it all.

<< neither of them had yet to realize that HALEIGH was the source. her own nature, the CHANGE she went through following the infection of the technoorganic virus made her a living extension of MysTech's plans and that THROUGH her, they could still accomplish any number of things. essentially turning her into their "trojan horse".>>

<< Morgan herself was now carefully exploring other areas of the nerve center, noting the blood and other signs of carnage there were files , some on the floor near a chair, others still on the console. upon closer inspection, they were actually detailed files on various members of the six and their allies. Specifically: Spellbinder, Guardian , now known as Harbinger, Black Widow, MorningStar, Alycia Barnett, Dr. Karen Victoria. the files contained excellent photos and profiles of each person, as well as any biological and medical info obtained during their capture by Malice.>>

<< she gathered up the files, carefull not to let her gloved hand before noticing another monitoring inlaid on the flat panel desk, it had a revolving image of Haleigh, with a cursor that moved to various parts of her body and then magnified that area, giving a flowing column of information as well as what appeared to be an up to date "status" monitor of her vital functions.>>

Nicolas, there's something here you should see...

<< holding the files.>>

I found these...they appear to be files on myself, my mother, alison, haleigh, delilah and alycia...but there are none on yourself or ava.

<< turning and waving at the flat panel within the counsole>>

a bio scan and monitor of Haleigh's body...it reads down to her cellular structure and appears to give updates on her vital stats every second!>>

[Oracle]

The Cell

<< as Morgan thumbs through the files, the information compiled is rather startling, but there seems to be a pattern among the files. the notes that are attached to the data seem to have a bitter, almost vengefull slant. whomever is responsible for these files has taken a DEEP personal interest in these specific women and in Haleigh's and Alycia's files...there's an extensive section devoted to SHARON KELLY.>>

<< the hum of energy and power around them continues to flow, but there's an overwhelming feeling of dread and the need to "look over the shoulder", one that grows with each passing moment.>>

<< Morgan finally catchs a glimpse of another doorway, this one leading to the lab, she is drawn toward it to see what lies beyond that threshold...sometimes looking deeper does not give answers...it brings more confusion or worse, distress.>>

meanwhile, back at Illustra

<< with a handshake and final agreement, Karen and Cameron end their thoughtfull and productive discussion on a positive note, Cameron retires to Alison Marble's luxury apartment on the 106th floor and take comfort in the surroundings, feeling a bit closer to his sister even though she is not physically there. the slow, methodic ticking of the large, curiously decorated grandfather clock provides the setting as Cameron drifts off to sleep with hopefull, well intended thoughts about the future, but he demonstrates his own budding wisdom as he remembers the old addage one day at a time>>

<< Alycia and Delilah return from dinner, and now, Alycia has to make a choice about to tell Delilah what she must do. This is a true test of Alycia's ability to TRUST HER as much as SHE has trusted Alycia and all the while, Haleigh continues to remain in a slightly disoriented but far more calm state, unaware of what has taken place since the session she had with karen went so horribly awry hours ago.>>

<< the night prooves to be less eventfull, but no less uncertain or tense, for the more Nicolas and Morgan explore...the more insidious the plot seems to become.>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< Nicolas will no doubt want to examine this computer console. it may contain more clues. in fact, THIS console is where the men were manipulating Haleigh's hidden "subroutine" programs within her mind as the result of the technoorganic virus.>>

<< Morgan herself, feeling a bit uneasy, turns her head as the air shifts behind her and sees another doorway. there's glowing light coming from the doorway and she, against better judgement, comes close to see what she might find.>>

I want to look over here..

<< she says softly as she moves away from Nicolas and toward the doorway. the lights turned out to be flickering sparks and spurts of energy from a badly damaged area of this place...it had the makings of a very well equipped lab. monitoring devices, medical equipment, incubation and suspended animation pods and a large containment pod that had been shattered from within, the were as stats monitor screen at the foot of the pod..it was on the fritz but there was a computer image of a feminine form, with an ID....of....Kelly, Sharon Lynn>>

Hecate!!! this...this is where they kept her!...this is what Nicolas saw.....then...its TRUE!

<< and to her left, there was another computer console that seemed to be connected to an IMMENSE "cerebra" like device, it was badly damaged and burned. pictures and media images of Sharon Kelly as the senator, along with images of HALEIGH, the rest of the six, Alycia, Master Mold, even Malice were shown on a tiled screen cap of the monitor.>>

<< Morgan didnt quite know what to make of this....but her icy violet eyes widened as she saw photographs and blue prints of deadly weapons, blades of destruction, as well as a chart with a human body on it. it looked like these were plans to graph implants onto or INTO a human body.>>

<< the split screen image of Sharon as the loving, honorable, courageous woman, opposite the image of an unconscious, pitfull looking woman hooked up to an oxygen mask and the "cerebra" device in the containment tube when it was intact flickered on a wall mounted monitor nearby....and Morgan looked at it...>>

even in DEATH..they found a way to harm her.....these BASTARDS!!!!

<< she looked around the rest of the lab.>>

but WHERE IS SHE?

<< from the look of things, the containment tube had exploded and the nutrient liquid had sprayed everywhere...along with the shattering glass but there were no signs of a body or injuries in this room...only in the control room where they had first entered.>>

[Rampage]

As Morgan looks over the files, the scope of things begin to take shape in Nicolas' mind. He walks over to the monitor as Morgan steps past, and examines the display.

The displays indicated that Haleigh was in fact a walking interface that led back to this cell. As long as she maintained her ability to interface with circuitry and mechanical items, they have been able to exploit it for their own ends, piggybacking on Haleigh's own abilities.

A modern day Trojan Horse. Odysseus would have been proud. Now the dilemma is how to sever Mystech's ability to monitor US and control HER without killing her. Everything seems quite deeply embedded. Perhaps Delilah could...Where the hell is Morgan?!!

Nicolas turned away from the console after committing some finer points to memory and walked quickly into the other room where Morgan was standing looking at Sharon's incubator. She had just made her exclamation and so he arrived in a particular hurry. he looked at the weapons design and studied the incubator for signs of material he could have analyzed or any clue as to what had occurred. The glass lay OUTSIDE the tank, so it was obvious that whatever was in there had escaped. The blueprints for the weapons matched the samples he took earlier and, as he pulled them out, it was all too clear who was wielding these razors.

I am sorry, Morgan. Not only have they been monitoring us, but they have been systematically augmenting Sharon as they went, as indicated by these weapons and implant designs. Considering the effect they are having on Haleigh, who exists outside their physical control, it is safe to assume that they have employed the VERY best techniques in order to brainwash Sharon. It may be irreversible without permanent damage to her. As for Haleigh, we may need to work in drastic fashion in order to trace and reverse the signals they send her. I would like for the two of us to join Delilah at Haleigh's when we get back.

[Jill Monroe]

<< resting her hand on the side of a table, Morgan bowed her head for a moment, tightly closing her eyes. Sharon was a catspaw, and probably brainwashed in the worst way. It wasnt right...it was INFURIATING that yet another person she cared about was being devoured by MysTech, a company they thought they had destroyed. >>

I dont want her killed AGAIN, Nicolas.

THEY'RE going to use Sharon to try to kill Haleigh. I want the people responsible ! i want whose responsible for this so i can KILL THEM!

<< Morgan seethed with rage.>>

Alison warned us ALL ALONG before you came that Haleigh's link to Mystech would come back to haunt us. it was one of the many reasons why she didnt trust Haleigh and often brutalized her. It seems no matter HOW far we go with her...her PAST comes back and WE get hurt because of it.

<< looking around this room.>>

there's no sign of Sharon....could SHE have killed those men out there? Where do you think she is NOW?

<< if there was any wonder just how savage sharon might be now...Nicolas seemed to have a clue as he looked over the blueprints for the augmentations graphed on and into Sharon's physical being.>>

You're the one with scientific knowledge... with that and my magick, maybe we can work TOGETHER to help Sharon...RID her of what Mystech has done to her and HEAL HER. It's not like Haleigh, who is forever cursed with the techno organic virus!


<< she realized that it seemed she was more concerned about Sharon than with Haleigh, but it was a knee/jerk response.>>

<< looking down at the files in her hand>>

did you find anything else? maybe something with audio recording? or an archive of their footage from watching us? we can look it over on the security floor of Illustra.

<< she looked around again...she thought she heard some kind of noise in the background...metal shifting, or locking up. it was faint but still...she heard SOMETHING. Nicolas expressed wanting to meet with Delilah at Illustra, and speaking of that, Morgan wanted to check on Alycia as well as talk to her mother. >>


We'd better get back.....i dont think we can find anything else and without Alison, there's no way to "look out" or into "the past" for more background on what we see. even we didnt get THIS FAR into the cell the last time we were here.

<< she made her way from the lab, through the control room again, stepping over the dead bodies, and back down the abandonned, metallic corridor.>>

I feel like we're being watched...even now. I have this need to get out of here before.....

[Oracle]

<< as they made their way down the corridor which lead upward toward the "cave" network, Morgan was swiped by a large, gleaming blade that belonged to a large flying "insectoid" creature. the creatre possessed the look and appearence of a mutated "preying mantis" but its green skin was metallic and its features were all large and enhanced, including its wings and its deadly blade extremeties.>>

<< the creature wasnt alone as Nicolas found himself seperated from Morgan by floating metallic orbs that surrounded him and open themselves to reveal "electronic eyes". all at once, they bombard Nicolas with black light beams and white noise to short out ALL sense of spatial awareness and visual input as well as disrupt his psychic abilities.>>

<< a small troupe of "Black Guards" move in, armed with energy batons and energy cannons, converging with speed and determination, they attack Spellbinder and Rampage while the large "insectoid"...another of the famous "bio hazards" from the citdale hovers above...waiting to devour SOMEONE'S remains.>>

<< it appears that Morgan's fear was justified after all.>>

[Alycia Barnett]

:: after a nice bit of refreshment and time out of Illustra at a nearby coffee house, Alycia and Delilah has returned, making their way up the express tube, once they pass up the crystaline lobby and mainfloor, they have a view of the city from one side of illustra that continues to amaze as they go higher and higher.::

:: Alycia looks out from the glass with her hands wrapped around her waist. she has a mission to accomplish. in the old days she would have stomped over anyone to achieve her goal and would still do it NOW if necessary, but this wasnt just "anyone" this was a friend...and the rest of the six.::

i feel like i'm going soft, but i think this is for the best.

:: looking at her brooch in her hand, Alycia finally turned around to face Delilah as they headed up to the 101rst floor.::

it's now or never.

Delilah, I have to tell you something...and I dont have much time for your reaction...but I feel that this is the RIGHT way to do things. I'm going to be honest with you and I hope you will understand...and NOT interfere.

:: she continued to look at Delilah as they rode up the elevator, the moon hung perfectly in the sky, but thankfully it was WHITE...not RED.::

I have to leave here, tonight. i can't stay and neither you nor anyone else can interfere with that. I have a mission to complete. I was ALREADY coming to NYC to investigate the cover activity being traced back to the Cell...its suspected that a MysTech general, Commander Rick Riley could be using the largely intact underground portion of that former MysTech facility to try to reassert some kind of power or control...and pose a threat to state and federal security.

:: Delilah would remember that name and that man, the man who broke Alycia's arm and tried to rape Sharon after kidnapping them in an attempt to get at Haleigh and the Six.::

When you and Morgan called, it was in total coincidence, but I knew while I was here, i would have time to provide suitable cover for Cameron...but THAT is going to have to wait. I have a JOB to complete Delilah. If Rick is there...if he's ANYWHERE out there...I'm the one who is going to capture him and bring him to justice..NOT Morgan. Washington has been looking for SOMEONE to answer in proxy for the capitol crimes committed by MysTech, INCLUDING Sharon's murder and with Stavros dead along with Malice, Helena and Dr.'s Christopher Victory and Adam Chandler....Rick may be the only chance the government has to satisfy the public's demand that Mystech PAY for what they've done.

I'm only recently cemented in this position and if i fail or am seemingly diverted by unbelievable circumstances...once again it could mean my job or my lively hood.

:: not to mention her chance to exact revenge on Rick herself.::

Force Works is waiting outside of Illustra and has been trying to contact me since my last communication with them.

:: she spoke with a soft but direct tone.::

when we get to your apartment, I will retrieve my arsenal, and then i will leave. I will be in touch, and nothing that has happened in Illustra since ive been here will be included in my report. I hope you understand.

:: She truly hoped Delilah would understand that she had a job to do and would not impede her path. Alycia was now at least capable of matching Delilah in a PHYSICAL confrontation but she did NOT want it to come to that. she instead, was counting on Delilah's sensibility and time spent as a police officer to understand the burden of DUTY.::

[Shadow Weaver]

<< as Cameron leaves, Karen slowly closes the double doors behind him and turns to look out on the expanse of this floor of Morgan's penthouse. How far her daughter had come....how proud SHE was of her daughter, but as Cameron left, Karen remembered that no matter how far her own daughter came, she'd always want and need her mother. At her age, Karen sometimes felt "out of step" with these young people. Some of them annoyed her with their selfish, "know it all" ways...but Nicolas , Morgan, Alison and Delilah were all children..be it through blood or through bond and Cameron now seemed like like a greasy eel and more like a young man who genuinely wanted to accept his past but grown BEYOND it.>>

<< why couldnt HALEIGH be HALF as willing or capable? why couldnt that woman get over her false sense of bravado and the now FADING illusion that she was in control?>>

<< Karen's facial expression was pensive at first but as she looked upon the night sky out from the panoramic window, she once again, let all thoughts of Haleigh slip away. why waste time, energy and effort on someone so willing and determined to destroy themselves? any credentialed therapist knows that a person threatning suicide will DO IT if thats what they really want...and it seemed that Haleigh WANTED to self destruct, and using the excuse of "self loathing" was nothing more than a crutch, the same thing an alcoholic would use to skirt accountability every time he was caught with a drink in his hand.>>

<< walking through the main floor slowly, she surveyed her daughter's things. Tinkerbell and the kitten decided it was time for bed and had made their way up the flight of steps and down the hall to the master bedroom, the chamber of dreams.>>

<< the quiet serenity of the place allowed Karen to settle herself for the evening, knowing that if Morgan needed her, she'd come to her. With Cameron gone and Karen having cleared away the clutter from the sitting room, Karen made her way up to the hall and into one of the guest baths to take a shower and prepare to retire for the evening.>>

<< the doctor may be very mindfull and thoughtfull, but even SHE forgets that night time is not always PEACEFULL time. even now, Alycia breaks the news to Delilah that she IS leaving Illustra TONIGHT and her daughter and Nicolas are now under attack as they attempt to escape the Cell. and ALL OF THIS, Because of Haleigh. if EVER there was a time to be conflicted, now was it, but strangely enough, the doctor was NOT as bothered as any normal person might be. instead, she lavishes herself in the large overhead shower chamber and hums softly.>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas listened as Morgan vented about what had been done to Sharon. He could only imagine how hurt and angry she must have been. But he did have a ray of hope in this.

I know how angry you are, but if we can FIND her, maybe we can undo the brainwashing. I think we have things at our disposal that can make that a LOT more possible than otherwise but we will ultimately have much to deal with, no matter HOW this ends.

Nicolas wanted to give Morgan hope, but he was concerned that they would find real harm trying not to hurt Sharon, while it was obvious that the former Senator had no such hesitation about ending life.

As Nicolas steps out of the room, he sees Morgan get attacked and reaches for her too late as the orbs open fire on him, scrambling his eyesight senses and attacking his ability to concentrate to use his TK. He dropped to one knee only to feel a shock as a cannon blasts him the side, attempting to subdue him. The pain is tremendous, but he instead FIGHTS it and roars as he makes the best move he sees in these confined quarters.

The young mutant slams his hands together in a SONIC CLAP, an OMNIDIRECTIONAL ATTACK which should prove devastating in such close quarters...

[Jill Monroe]

<< feeling the searing pain of the blow from the insectoid, Spellbinder cries out as she drops the files. the horrid sound of a giant buzzing creature indicates...>>

a...another BIOHAZARD!!!

<< Rampage is accosted by orbs, their design suggests they are holdovers from NERVOUS, one of the many cutting edge anti personnell devices designed by MysTech's once mighty technological fortress to combat a variety of metahumans and mutants. >>

<< Black Guards are closing in. Morgan, shivering from the white hot pain of the attack, uses her own healing spells to counteract the pain and the damage as she looks over to see the Black Guards closing in.>>

the insectoid seems to be waiting....I'll take care of THEM in the mean time.

<< raising and extending her hands which are now surrounded by halos of dark magick, a chime sounds off as Spellbinder unleashes several powerfull eldritch bolts against the black guards, but to her SHOCK, the bolts simply get ABSORBED by their sleek armour!>>

my blasts....they had no EFFECT!

<< she stood, clearly agitated. the black guards return fire and Spellbinder lifts off the ground, taking to the air to dodge the firing pattern but they are in close quaters and the black guards are trying to HERD her into the path of the insectoid!>>

<< Rampage uses his own power to wildly defend himself against the coordinated attack of the floating "orbs". the sonic wave ROCKS the underground cavern but unfortunately the force it comes UPWARD. Morgan's hair flies back as the force expands and pushes her TOWARD the insectoid!>>

NO!!

<< she TELEPORTS as the giant metallic like creature reaches out to capture her and appears along side of it. seeing an acidic substance dripping from its fanged jaws, the insect creature appears ready to devour her! it swipes at her repeatedly but the sorceress dodges while remaining airborn...feeling the very WIND next to her skin slice as the creature tries to wound her.>>

I cant let it TOUCH ME!!

<< she gestures, igniting dark magick as chimes sound off..>>

challenges great! challenges tall!!
please make this monster...TERRIBLY SMALL!!

<< she casts a simple but perfectly effective spell. the creature is enveloped in a violet hued field of magick and an odd sound is heard as it begins to SHRINK before everyone's eyes....being reduced to the size of naturally occurring preying mantis..the kind that a child might capture in the garden! the now TINY and non threatning creature falls to the ground, and Spellbinder lands right behind it, SMASHING it under her high heeled boot with a noticeable CRUNCHING sound>>

THERE!! that takes care of THAT!!

<< Nicolas, having freed himself from the entrapment of most of the orbs, is now being beseiged by the black guards and not ALL of the orbs were destroyed, two remained, and were now circling , preparing to fire upon him.>>

<< Morgan takes off once again hefting a large boulder that has fallen down from the sonic wave of Rampage's. she HURLS the boulder full force at one of the orbs, smashing it dead on and causing it to explode while the OTHER one is redirected, courtesy of a stepping disc. she holds it in stasis between dimensions, waiting to see if she'll use it to help Nicolas, if he needs it.>>

[Rampage]

All Nicolas could do at the moment was wait as he unleashed the attack. In the small window of respite, he got back his bearings and stood to face the guards as a boulder and a stepping disk Thanks, Morgan!! destroy the orbs.

He smiled as leaped into action, using very quick and precise movements combined with his ability to teleport to disastrous effect. He ported behind one and snapped his head around to the back with a quick turn, then used its convulsing arm to shoot another of the guards. As the rest fired, he used the carcass of his first victim as a shield.

Next he launched his axe into the air to disastrous effect as it made a round of the remaining guards, slicing them open as it went.After the last one fell, he turned and walked to Morgan, dropping the first victim as he went.

Thanks for the save. are you alright?

[Jill Monroe]

<< Spellbinder, still breathing heavily from the sudden severity of the insectoid's attack, finally had a chance to recover fully as Rampage managed to dispatch the three remaining Black Guards. with the ambush seemingly over, she abandonned the orb she had captured with a disc, leaving it forever lost in the realm of Limbo>>

<< Nicolas comes near, dropping one of the destroyed black guards and asking her if she was allright.>>

Yes...I'm fine now. My magick restored me from the insectoid's attack. I'd forgotten how dangerous and how VARIED the bio hazards could be. so many of them escaped or were moved during the initial meltdown of the Citadle and we were menaced the MOST by the Super Soldier......Haleigh's former...boyfriend.

After my mother destroyed him...and after MysTech fell....i guess i didnt expect to see any of the creatures again.

<< looking at the now inert Black Guards>>

but THEM? they've never resisted my eldritch bolts before. if they are able to ADAPT now....that may mean trouble for us LATER.

we'd better get back....

<< Looking at Nicolas.>>

I'm glad you're okay.

<< with that...a chime sounds off as a stepping discs wisks them away from the Cell and BACK to Illustra, appearing on the 99th floor once more, in the now darkened hallway.>>

all is quiet ....we'd better get to the security floor before we call Delilah.

[Oracle]

<< having escaped a nasty surprise at the Cell, Spellbinder and Rampage arrive at Illustra in the blink of an eye via stepping disc. first on the 99th floor, only to discover that everyone has moved elsewhere. this at LEAST indicates there was no more fighting or drama.>>

<< now moving to the secret security floor, the highly technologically advanced nerve center that seperated the business floors from the residential floors, they were now in a darkened control room with computers, information systems and other devices. This was usually Alison or Haleigh's domain but with Alison gone and the Clandestine Inc protocalls removed by Morgan out of fear of Haleigh's ability to function, it was now up to Morgan handle things here, with both Nicolas and Morgan now able to further examine the files and other objects that had retrieved from the cell, plus the information Nicolas had gathered form the information system in the nerve center of the cell, Morgan was preparing to contact Delilah only. >>

<< with Alycia about to depart Illustra, Delilah would have news of her own to share with them.>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< in the war room, the darkened, circular shapped meeting room for the Six in times of battle or emergency, Spellbinder took her place at the head of the circular conference console. each seat had its own flat panel computer monitor and the utmost power and capability available for a PC and they were each custom designed to that user's need.>>

<< this entire floor was the brainchild of Haleigh's following Morgan's death through the seige perilous, a complete overhaul and redesign of the pervious secruity nerve center and of them all, Alison was the only one who completely took to it as fast as Haleigh in terms of being able to navigate it.>>

<< outside of the War room, there was the "nerve center", where one large monitor was surrounded by several smaller ones, and the information system was capable of accessing just about ANY database around the globe without detection, yet another thing made possible by Haleigh, but now...it might not be as great as they thought...for her technological prowess was about to be revealed to be her greatest weakness and Mystech's greatest secret ASSET!>>

okay....

<< setting the files down.>>

Nicolas, what did you manage to salvage and bring back? we need to examine EVERYTHING and try to put something together. when next we see my mother and the others, i want to reassure them with definitive answers. with these files, the things you've brought and our resources here, we should be able to come up with SOMETHING.

<< sitting down.>>

I'll contact Delilah via my private channel.


<< and with that, Morgan signals Delilah, unaware of what has just occurred with Alycia and her departure. She watches as Nicolas prepares at his spot...the newest member added to this state of the art conference table. the seat of Alison Marble would be noticeably vacant unless Cameron decided to fill it in for the time being once he was finally brought down here. >>

[Rampage]

Before they teleported back to Illustra, Nicolas "retrieved" a few things quickly so as to have on hand for their debriefing. As they arrived back, Morgan led him to the "war Room" as he termed it. He sat at his computer, which was special in that it had an interface that had microfilaments in it. These filaments lined up as he commanded them and allowed him to draw things he had seen mentally in three dimensions. As Morgan spoke to him about what he had found, he laid a few items on the table: the deadly stars, some of the liquid from the containment cell that they had seen on a small piece of metal, and as she looked up at her, he turned his monitor around to reveal the specs that were shown on the computer screen, detailing some of the enhancements that Sharon had endured. As he clicked, it became a file that was saved and moved to only half the screen, while the still of Haleigh's apartment as witnessed at the cell came up on the other side.

OK Morgan, here is what I have. While what we found was disturbing, I am hoping that working together, we can try to take the offensive in this. So far we have been on our heels, reacting to what has been done to us. My ideas and suggestions will be radical and upsetting possibly, at least some of them. I can discuss them with you now or I can wait until Delilah arrives.

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah breathed out heavily as she rode the elevator upwards with Alycia. Though she'd chosen a veggie panini and chai tea at the coffee shop, she felt uncomfortable full now. Delilah cast a sidelong glance at Alycia, ready to make a lighthearted remark about it, when she noticed that her former attorney looked...nervous. She'd thought they'd had a nice meal and resolved any issues Alycia was having...what could be wrong?

Delilah did not have to wait long for her answer. ]

"Alycia...I wish we could come with you to help. But I understand why you have to do this alone. If I don't let you, it will just be another reason for the government to come down on us. Not to mention that we don't want to do any MORE to jeopardize your position."

[ Delilah gave Alycia a quick hug then stood back and smiled. ]

"Promise me you'll be careful, and call us if you change your mind about wanting our help?"

-------

[ A short time later, after watching Alycia gather her things and saying a quick goodbye, Delilah received Morgan's signal. She splashed some water on her face then headed down to the security floor. ]

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan looked at Nicolas with uncertainty. What could he have come up with SO FAST? she was afraid that Nicolas was losing sight of what was the heart of this matter ...or maybe SHE was the one being side tracked by emotion? it was too soon to tell.>>

Nicolas...I think i'd rather wait for Delilah to get here.

<< she continued to organize things as her personal monitor screen slowly rose and she began to do some quick searches for other things related to MysTech.>>

I cant believe that I'm even dwelling on MysTech again...we all thought that with the fall of Malice, that MysTech was finished and now..we seem to be looking at signs that its RESURGING and Haleigh is it's sacrificial lamb ..unless we find a way to severe her ties to MysTech..but how can we? her POWERS were changed..her BODY was changed by MysTech even before the inferno...Imagiomg made SURE that nothing could be reversed.

<< she sat back in the chair, waiting for Delilah to arrive, and moments later, there she was. Morgan was still not yet aware that Alycia had left Illustra only moments ago.>>


Delilah, welcome.

<< Morgan said as her dear friend arrived.>>

You're looking peacefull. Everything okay with Alycia?

[Rampage]

Nicolas saw Morgan's face as he spoke. Her concern was written all over it, and he became concerned that she was having trouble holding up. While understandable, he was convinced that whatever happened tonight, they needed to make a decision that would cause their enemies to react, instead of waiting for the shoe to drop. As Delilah entered, he stood to greet her.

Hello, Delilah. Morgan, we can begin whenever you are ready...

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah entered the room and saw that Morgan and Nicolas were already there. She waved a greeting, then paused as Morgan asked about Alycia. Should she stall? Surely Alycia had gone from the building by now...but would Morgan try something like going after her? She decided that more lies was not going to help the situation among the Six. ]

"I'm fine, Alycia is fine. She actually had some official business to take care of and had to leave. She sends her goodbyes."

[ Delilah licked her lips, suddenly a little nervous about telling Morgan exactly where Alycia had gone. ]

"She's gone on a mission to apprehend Rick Riley and bring him to justice..."

[Jill Monroe]

<< As Delilah arrived and announced Alycia's departure for "official business", Morgan was a little worried. but Delilah indicated that Alycia left on good terms and was fine, so perhaps there was not TOO much cause for concern, aside from the obvious danger looming in the air for all of them right now as they pieced together this mystery.>>

Alycia...where ever you are, please be carefull....and please dont sell us out.

<< Morgan trusted Alycia, but she also appreciated how Alycia had been feeling lately. Haleigh could make ANYONE want to go in the other direction at one time or another.>>

Okay...well if she's allright, we certainly couldnt FORCE her to stay here.

<< Delilah mentions Rick Riley.>>

Rick Riley...The Cell....

<< Morgan looked at the files...it suddenly became clear who was most likely behind all this >>

Haleigh's former commander and a Mystech General, he launched a very painfull and deadly strike against us BEFORE...his body never WAS found following the destruction of the cell...and he did a terrible number on Sharon and Alycia....the prick.

<< Morgan looked up at Nicolas and Delilah.>>

I think we all know what Alycia has in mind when it comes to "bringing him to justice", but that is something we shouldnt interfere in. it's as important for HER as it is for the government that if this man is alive....he be dealt with.

<< Morgan thought for a moment, Alycia's tally card was growing. She'd already killed Stavros and while that was clearly self defense, Morgan knew that somewhere in Alycia's mind, killing Stavros was what she WANTED all along. Morgan knew how SHE would have felt if she had been in Alycia's position.>>

First Stavros and now Rick...Alycia is definately making a new kind of name for herself but in both cases, I feel she's justified and now she's government sanctioned as well. root out the evil and make sure they never hurt anyone ELSE again.

<< as Delilah takes her seat, Morgan looks up, with an irritated look.>>

Nicolas and I have unconvered somethings thanks to a quick mission to the Cell. the underground control center is still very much intact and ACTIVE....but there's more....

I suppose we better call Ava as well.

<< and with that, Morgan signals Ava on a private channel.>>

Morgan: Ava? please report down to the War Room on the security floor.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: With Haleigh's deteriorating condition, Ava had been by her side for the past few hours with Zach. It had gone from bad to worse, and Ava didn't see a light at the end of this tunnel. Zach insisted that Ava go back to her penthouse and rest for an hour and that if anything happened he would call her immediately. Reluctantly, Ava agreed and returned to her place. ::

:: Resting in bed, Ava's arm was crooked around her head as she stared blankly at the ceiling above. The dark room hid Onyx from view, but her soft purring indicated she was sleeping in bed next to Ava. Finally closing her tired eyes, Ava inhaled a deep breath before sighing out. Blissfully unaware of what was happening with the other members of the six, her mind was focused on the conversation between herself, Dr. Victoria, Nicolas, and Cameron. Everyone made good points, and Ava did feel badly that she upset Karen even further, but at that moment, everyone seemed to be against Haleigh and Ava felt it necessary to defend her. This entire situation was a touchy subject for everyone it seemed. ::

:: It was nearly impossible to get her mind off of everything and actually relax, so Morgan's call was actually welcomed. Opening her eyes hearing Morgan's request, Ava pushed herself up onto her elbows. ::

'"I'm on my way."

:: Onyx perked up as Ava slipped out of bed. Rounding the large king sized bed, Ava gave Onyx a smile as she took her cats face into the palms of both hands. ::

"Hold down the fort for me, okay?"

:: Onyx responded with low, comical meow, causing Ava to chuckle softly. Kissing her on her nose, Ava made her way out of her bedroom and left her penthouse. ::

--

:: Arriving at the war room, Ava punched in her security code, unlocking the door. Opening the door, she saw Nicolas, Morgan, and Delilah all there. Stepping inside, the looks on all their faces indicated that something big went down. Not even having to ask what was wrong, Ava got down to buisness. ::

"Alright, fill me in."

[Jill Monroe]

<< as Ava arrived, Morgan motioned her to sit in the spot once occupied by Alexis aka Shockwave.>>

This is the War Room, the technological nerve center of Illustra. the last time you were here...i wasnt exactly myself for the most part ( Malice and the terror dome caper) and in all that's happened since, we havent had the chance to properly customize your spot at our conference table.

<< as Ava took a seat, Morgan began with asking>>

How has Haleigh been?

<< Morgan didnt feel it necessary to reveal that Alycia had left. The less people who knew, the more likely Alycia would not have to worry about any outside interference.>>

<< and then, Morgan got to the heart of things.>>

Now that you're all here....Nicolas and I went to The Cell, one of the last major strongholds of MysTech before the entity fell apart. It was there that Master Mold came online, and it was the place commanded by Rick Riley, a former military commanding officer of Haleigh's during her time in the military.

With everything that has been happening, as well as what Cameron and Nicolas discovered, coupled with Tinkerbell's vision and Alycia's major clue...I felt it best that I risk going BACK to the Cell to see if i could find anything that might help us help Haleigh.

The cell's physical building, the warehouse was destroyed during our previous battle with Rick and his army but to this day, the underground cave system and the subterranean technological nerve center are all very much in tact.

<< looking at the files, and then over to what Nicolas had retrieved.>>

what we have discovered...is not good at all.

I'm going to be blunt....MYSTECH, or whatever remains of it, is behind this...Haleigh's episodes...all of it. The powers that she has, most of them were born from the forced infection of technoorganic virus combined with Imagiomg's spells, its something that can't be reversed and even when she came back in her PRESENT body, the virus remained. There's something happening...MysTech is attempting to USE their permanent link to Haleigh and through this, they have a LIVE, UNINTERRUPTED visual feed and inroad into Illustra, even as we speak. THIS confirms the fears i had yesterday which prompted me to remove Haleigh's security protocalls and my descision to relieve her of duty. She's putting us all at risk whether she wants to or NOT. That was the most OBVIOUS thing we discovered, but there's more to it.

I've found these files....on myself, delilah, alison, alycia, my mother and haleigh. the information in these files is a combination of whatever they have gained from encounters with us in battle, any time that any of us were captured, satellite footage...but the notes compiled have a deeply personal slant, someone with a GRUDGE has been maintaining these files. haleigh's and alycia's files contain an extensive and SHARED entry on Sharon Kelly.

We discovered something else as well.....Nicolas has the evidence....and more testing will need to be done....but...

<< she looks at Ava and Delilah..>>

Sharon Kelly is alive.

we found two men in the cell's nerve center, brutally mutilated. there was blood everywhere, as well as these deadly spinning stars. in the lab, there was a large incubation tube, with status charts for a human subject. the computer entry i found indicated that Sharon Kelly was the subject and from what we've seen...she's been genetically augmented/altered....whatever she's been turned into...she's NOT merely the same woman she was before. We dont know where she is at THIS moment either.

[MorningStar]

"It was intact? It wasn't rebuilt? How could that have happened?"

[ Delilah's faced registered shock. How had they missed such a large part of the structure? Hadn't they destroyed Mystech? Then Morgan laid the big one on them. ]

"Sharon...is...alive? Are you sure?"

[ She couldn't wrap her mind around the fact that it could be true. She shook her head, trying not to envision the things that had happened to her in the hands of Mystech. ]

"So what do we do - destroy the cell? We need to keep those records out of unfriendly hands. Do we think Sharon's been kidnapped by...by something else? Could she be hurt?"

[Jill Monroe]

"It was intact? It wasn't rebuilt? How could that have happened?"

[ Delilah's faced registered shock. How had they missed such a large part of the structure? Hadn't they destroyed Mystech? Then Morgan laid the big one on them. ]

"Sharon...is...alive? Are you sure?"

[ She couldn't wrap her mind around the fact that it could be true. She shook her head, trying not to envision the things that had happened to her in the hands of Mystech. ]

"So what do we do - destroy the cell? We need to keep those records out of unfriendly hands. Do we think Sharon's been kidnapped by...by something else? Could she be hurt?"



<< looking at Delilah as she reacted to what Morgan was saying, Morgan kept a solemn face as her icy violet eyes fixed on her friend.>>


Unfortunately, this is an area of The Cell that NONE of us had seen the last time we were there. Remember, we found Sharon and Alycia in the cave network as they were frantically trying to escape. we didnt go any further as our primary goal was to ESCAPE with our friends. Rick got in the way and the battle leveled the warehouse. Alison stayed behind as long as she could to try to FIND Rick but he alluded her. from what alycia h as told me, coupled with what Cameron and Nicolas "saw" in Haleigh's mind....the "shadowed men" could be connected to Rick.

THESE FILES

<< gesturing to them>>

are the files that someone TRACKING someone would keep. there's a vendetta here.

We cant just DESTROY the remainder of the Cell though...that might trigger more than we are ready for...worse..it might hurt Haleigh, who apparently is DEEPLY LINKED to MysTech's core technology. Again...Alison's long range foresight hinted to this over a year ago...but no one took it seriously.Nicolas has something to share with regards to the Cell and Haleigh though.


<< sighing>>

and as for Sharon...I'm afraid she's very much alive. But what state she is in...I dont know. she wasnt there when we got there. but the aftermath...it was gory and brutal...she may have killed those men and if so...she's far more savage than you or i would ever have remembered her to be.

Tinkerbell had a vision that she shared with Nicolas and I the other night...it confirmed the last image he saw in Haleigh's mind...that of a woman, with eyes of metallic silver and flowing hair...brimming with chaotic hatred, it was so POWERFULL that it EJECTED nicolas from Haleigh's psyche. That image...was of Sharon.


Aside from the two mutilated men, there was no sign of Sharon or Rick Riley. If Alycia is going after him now...I hope...i PRAY she is not too pridefull to contact us for help if she needs it.....

and if Sharon is alive...I feel....the evidence thus far suggests..that she's coming back...for HALEIGH and if the mere brush with her consciousness was powerfull enough to FORCE Nicolas out of Haleigh's mind...then there's no telling what we are in store for.

<< resting her face down in her hands..>>

I've already said this to Nicolas, but I'm saying it again...I dont know if i can HANDLE the idea of having to face or FIGHT Sharon! I'm NOT READY to deal with that. she DIED ...and even THEN she was not safe from MysTech's grasp..and now she's BACK...

<< shaking her head...>>

Nicolas, perhaps you'd like to continue?

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah was still taken aback by what she was hearing. Surely Sharon wouldn't turn on us, we're... ]

"But we're her friends - what couldhave happened that would turn her against Haleigh, against us? Surely Sharon couldn't be blaming Haleigh for her death - er - apparent death."

[ She pushed the thought out of her mind for a second as she turned her thoughts to Haleigh herself. ]

"We need to get Haleigh seperated from Mystech once and for all. Despite my personal feelings for her, we can't lose her to those bastards. Or let them - or whoever is behind this - use her for their own sick purposes."

[ How could one of their own turn against them? But then again, hadn't Alycia nearly done so just a few hours before? ]

"Morgan, I cannot believe that we will be forced to fight Sharon. When we find whoever is manipulating Haleigh, surely they are the ones manipulating Sharon as well. We sever those ties and Sharon will come back to us..."

[ She closed her eyes briefly, gathering herself and trying not to share Morgan's fears about what the future held. She attentively turned to Nicolas and waited for him to continue the briefing. ]

[Pam De Beaufort]

""She's sleeping...there's been no change."

:: Answering Morgan's question as she sat down, Ava crossed her legs. Listening carefully to what Morgan began to breif her on, it wasn't exactly what she was expecting to hear. With Cassadine Enterprises pulling funding and technology away from MysTech, they were dead in the water for quite a while. Or atleast that's what Ava thought. ::

:: Looking to Delilah as she suggested destorying the cell, Ava's mind wondered for a moment. If Sharon Kelly was in fact alive, MysTech obviously had something to do with that. The incubation tube was a huge give away. BUT, MysTech wouldn't of done it unless it was for their benefit only. Sharon Kelly was a huge political face throughout the world, and a thorn in the Cassadines AND MysTech's side for years, they wouldn't bring her back JUST to bring her back. Delilah mentioned Sharon possibly being kidnaped prompting Ava to shake her head. ::

"No...I don't think so. If MysTech altered Sharon somehow, it was most likely to send her after the six. Why else would they bring her back to life? She was a thorn in their side for years."

:: Morgan cut in explaining some more information. It seemed that Ava's assumptions were correct, and Sharon was back in a different form, obviously out to get Haleigh AND the six. Morgan had a hard time accepting it, and Delilah questioned Sharon even hurting the team. It was a sore subject for them both. ::

"Listen, my family worked very closely along side of MysTech for a long time. I know how they think. If they brought Sharon Kelly back, they brought her back as something evil. The best way to get to the six is through psychological warfare and they know this. Enhancing Sharon's DNA and turning her into....whatever she's turned into, is just icing on the cake. If she IS in fact coming after us, I would rule out her being manipulated into doing it. MysTech probably completely changed her memories and emotional attachment to the six. Even if we try to reason with her, it would be like talking to a wall....believe me."

:: Ava obviously had inside knowledge to what MysTech was capable of doing and producing. And it seemed like she personally knew of situations like Sharon Kelly's. But again, it was all speculation at the moment....::

[Jill Monroe]

<< Looking back up at Delilah, Morgan felt her anguish about the subject of Sharon. just the spectre of it was causing the women distress...THEY were the ones at the battle with Master Mold, so Nicolas and Ava wouldnt be able to understand just how HAUNTING this was for them.>>


<< Morgan was struggling for an answer to Delilah's remarks, but Ava came in, and offered another helpfull insight to the situation.>>

Cassadine Enterprises may have pulled funding and severed ties...but if Malice prooved anything it was that there was ALWAYS a "back up plan." Alycia was apparently coming to New york to investigate an extreme spike in covert "e-activity", transfers of funds maybe from off shore accounts or some other source being routed to places around NYC and other information streams tapped from around the world flowing to the location that turned out to the sight of The Cell. it could be that the remnants of MysTech were trying to regroup and reorganize? but THAT is why Alycia was going to be here anyway, the issue with Cameron was just an added thing.

She told us that the reason she was carrying the heavy arsenal she brought was because she thought she might be looking for Rick Riley. HE was never found after our last battle at the Cell. I think Ava is right...i think HE is responsible for bringing Sharon back and is going to use her to attack Haleigh and US.

But we have NO idea what Sharon is capable of now...except for these...

<< pointing to blue prints and other chart informaiton that was retrieved from the lab. Nicolas would be able to better explain this.>>

and these...

<< blood stained spinning "stars">>

these stars were found around the control room of the cell and looked as if they had been hurled at high velocity.


<< Morgan seemed a bit shakey....>>

as for Haleigh, i AGREE that we need to find a way to BLOCK Mystech's influence..but HOW? MAGICK cant do it, I've TRIED and so has Ororo. the techno organic virus is as much apart of HER as my magicks are of me or or Nicolas and Delilah's mutations. if it was REMOVED from her...it could kill her and as long as she retains her powers...especially the ability to interface with computers, information systems and technology, based on what we've seen at the cell...MysTech will ALWAYS have an inroad to US through HER.

We saw a monitor that was BROADCASTING you, zach and Haleigh

<< looking at Ava>> every move you all made, we saw...it was from the perspective of Haleigh's eyes...and any camera that had a feed in her apartment.


Her memory episodes could be linked to this as well, but again...that is something Nicolas will have to explain.

My concern is...HOW are we going to Help Haleigh when she continuously SABOTAGES all efforts and rejects all approaches? it's getting to the point NOW...where I am starting to really feel BOXED IN by this.

THEN of course, there's the issue of our overall security. If Sharon attacks us...if its at a time and a place where we are off guard and FORCED to reveal ourselves...what then? what if Haleigh has another episode in a PUBLIC PLACE? MysTech has prooven before that they can SURPRISE us no matter what we do...this could be their ultimate goal..not ONLY to engage in brutal psychological warfare by using Sharon but to ALSO use her to FLUSH US OUT....either Haleigh OR her.

<< she didnt want to say what she was REALLY feeling, but Nicolas knew. Morgan was NOT READY to fight Sharon on behalf of Haleigh...not when Haleigh had thus far behaved as though she didnt need anyone's help. WHY risk this kind of emotional distress for a woman who thought she had all of the answers?>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas sat silently and listened as the ladies spoke about the days events and what they meant. he could feel the apprehension at facing whatever Sharon had become, the concern for what Alycia could face, and the mixed feelings about what to do about Haleigh. he was feeling the conflict as well, especially since he knew that no matter what they did, someone would most likely get hurt...BADLY. He finally spoke as they fell silent, his voice solemn to match his face. He knew that his words might be unwelcome, but they were things that had to be said.

Here is what I believe is going on. Some of this is fact, some is conjecture, but all of it will have to be dealt with and there are no easy answers.

First, Sharon was most likely salvaged at the point of death. The solution she was in I believe we will find to be a nutrient bath designed to keep her oxygenated and nourished while they used implants and faked memories to turn her in to a killing machine with a vendetta against Haleigh. Their skill at creating metahumans suggests that we should expect a battle in which we may not have the opportunity to try to save her. To do so may be too risky for us and innocent bystanders. We can try to save her, but I would recommend against it. Even if we DID manage to catch her, to reverse what they have done would most likely reduce her mind to MUSH.

As for Haleigh, we have reached a point where we cannot allow this to go any longer. Haleigh will have to allow us to try to treat her. The alternative is for her to eventually become either their tool through her progressive artificially induced madness, or risk being taken in by Alycia or worse if she does nothing to help herself. The reason I did not destroy the computer that had the feed through Haleigh was because I believe that through the computer ITSELF Delilah can help her.

Nicolas faces Delilah.

I believe that your power may be able to amplify the signal that Haleigh is sending to Mystech and fry the channels they are using. I am hoping that in the time that should buy us, a combination of our combined intervention with Haleigh will allow us to reach her, convince her to let us help her sever this tie. In the end, this should be within her power ALONE, but I am afraid that she is not well enough to heal herself. I think that in helping her beat this, CAMERON could be instrumental.

In addition, as we move forward, I believe that the time has ended as far as Haleigh handling our security. I have someone who I think would be quite good at that, and I have help for her. I believe that DELILAH should be in charge of security, and that we should pull back from some of the tech-heavy security methods we use. I was thinking that a combined design utilizing magic, our own special abilities, and a streamlined tech suite would be more effective and harder to circumvent. To use so much tech plays directly into Mystech's hands, and Haleigh has been their unwitting Trojan Horse all along.

Finally, as for Alycia, she is in GRAVE danger. She is out there opposing a mortal enemy who apparently left enough info out there to get her attention. Mystech is far too practiced at the art of covert operations to be as sloppy as they must have been for her to get so MUCH information and trace it so EASILY back there. That HAD to be intentional. My concern is that she is walking directly into a trap, just as we did. <<<points to himself and Morgan>>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan looked at Nicolas with pained disbelief as he spoke about Sharon. HOW could he be so....grim and so willing to imply dispatching her AGAIN was the only way?? she rubbed her hands over her face and through her hair as she leaned forward, placing her elbows on her console.>>

<< this was making her sick to her stomach.>>

Nicolas?? just WHAT are you suggesting!? to KILL HER AGAIN!? This isnt HER FAULT! she didnt ASK to be placed in the position she's now in. I'm not WILLING to just attempt to destroy her and you want to know why?

<< standing up.>>

because ONCE AGAIN its about cleaning up HALEIGH'S mess...and THIS TIME it involves victimizing someone who died because of HER connections THE FIRST TIME!

YOU werent there! YOU DONT KNOW WHAT IT FELT LIKE to wake up from being battered unconscious and to find Alycia holding Sharon and sobbing as Sharon slipped away. All the powers we possessed, Alison's precognition, my magick, Delilah's CPR training....NOTHING could revive her and then...to find out MONTHS LATER that HALEIGH was connected to the family that engineered Master Mold? Maybe i was too shocked to react the way Alycia did...i dont know...but THAT DID LEAVE A BAD TASTE in my mouth. This wasnt some casualty of battle, this was a FRIEND...someone we KNEW and cared about.



<< looking at Ava.>>

I know this links to you...your situation is unique itself, but YOU have to understand that I can't change how i feel about what happened to Sharon and US due to your connection to Cassadine Enterprises, you werent here either. Nicolas is basically telling me that we cant capture her, we cant help her...and that leaves only ONE OPTION. I WONT except that! all the power in this room? all the intelligence? there has to be another way! If MysTech can DO IT, SO CAN WE!

<< she paused with a look distraught as she glared at Nicolas and then looking at the other two>>

is that how YOU TWO feel? we should just go out and attempt to kill her AGAIN and forget about the fact that it was MYSTECH who did this...and even in "death" she became a target of their machinations?

<< she stopped herself. this was wrong. she was attacking everyone in the room...and that wouldnt help at all. she bowed her head and exhaled as she sat down...>>

I...I'm sorry...

I just dont think this is RIGHT.....there HAS to be another way.

<< the anguish was in her voice as she steepled her hands around her forehead and her blonde hair fell forward, thankfully covering the look of grief in her violet eyes and face.>>

......as for the subject of Security....Nicolas is right again. THAT is why i had taken down Clandestine Inc security protocalls two days ago. Haleigh seemed to take offense to that, but i had a FEAR even then that all this technology was putting us at MORE RISK behind what was developing. there's a powerfull warding spell around the building...and that's what has kept the BIRDS out as theyve been migrating to the east. THAT is another issue to address as well....the birds. We need to figure HOW they fit into this.

<< her voice was clearly suggesting a weary feeling..in the mind if not the body.>>

I think the suggestion of Delilah taking over security of Illustra is an excellent idea and any drafts and blue prints for new security measures can be presented to me as soon as they are ready. its time to start using other methods and after what Nicolas and i saw at the Cell, right now...we ARE sitting ducks.

<< continuing to sit the way she was...Morgan rested her elbows on the console once again.>>

<< and finally...>>

Alycia....I never thought about it before....but Nicolas could be right again. Rick Riley attempted to RAPE Sharon and Alycia smashed him in the head with a rock to stop him. He DESPISED Alycia for her defiance and boldness while he held her captive and he beat her out of anger for it...if Rick is behind all this...then he would want to include ALL the people he could from the original situation. He's probably not entirely aware that Alison is gone so that leaves myself, delilah and haleigh. that would explain why there's no file on Nicolas or Ava or even Prophet, who had gone missing at that time.

But there is the OTHER problem. If we try to interfere with Alycia or PREVENT her from doing what she's supposed to be doing, we could be sealing our own fate. AGAIN Haleigh's actions have placed us in a strained situation with one of our greatest and most trusted allies....something HAS to be done...SHE needs to submit to treatment or be CONFINED and THIS time...if she refuses treatment...then we may have to consider confining her somewhere like LIMBO for her own protection as well as ours.


At the moment, Nicolas' plan to have Delilah use her power to overload the channel between Haleigh and MysTech is all we have a means to temporarily address the problem with Haleigh basically being an open back door for Mystech to HER and us.

<< looking at Ava...>>

Tomorrow morning..WE have to be ready for a photo shoot. I cant afford to back out now....if this project fails..i'll be RUINED so i have no choice but to go forward. Delilah, if you're ready, I want you to begin your duty as Chief of Security now. Nicolas can help with any specifications you may need, just make sure I am informed.

We're going to have to inform my mother and cameron about what's going on as well...especially if Cameron is going to be instrumental in helping to treat Haleigh.

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Nicolas was right on the money in Ava's opinion. Everything he was saying needed to be done....even if that meant killing Sharon Kelly. But that obviously didn't sit well with Morgan. Everything began to blow up as Morgan lashed out at Nicolas. Sitting back in her chair, Ava knew that the possibility of saving Sharon was slim..but she wasn't about to say that in front of Morgan or Delilah at this time. ::

:: With her eyes on Morgan, she issued a somewhat low blow mentioned Haleigh's 'tie to the family that engineered Master Mold.' Lowering her eyes to the table, Ava's face was stone cold as Morgan addressed her. Morgan and the six may have knew Ava's family was connected to MysTech, but they didn't realize the emotional strain that put on her in situations like this. ESPECIALLY when it came to Master Mold. Finally looking up at Morgan, Ava parted her lips and sighed. Her less than chipper face softening a bit knowing that Morgan was only lashing out because she was hurt. She apologized, and Ava nodded. ::

"I know this is difficult. Moreso for you and Delilah because you were so close with Sharon Kelly. We will try everything in our power to save her....but...we also need to be prepared just in case we can't."

:: Words Morgan didn't want to hear, but it was the reality of the situation. Looking to Delilah, since Illustra's security was currently secured by Ava's security codes and NOT Haleighs, she slid Delilah a CD case sized, thin metal pad with plasma touch screen in the middle (think Star Trek). ::

"These are all the current security codes and back up codes for Illustra."

:: Looking to Morgan, she mentioned the photoshoot and how they both needed to continue on with this project. Ava nodded, agreeing with her. ::

"The white Donna Karen ensembles for the photoshoot arrived in the lobby about an hour ago. We just need to pick them up."

[Oracle]

<< Alycia wasnt the only one in danger, as they all knew. This whole situation was becoming more clear and focused, however that brought little more than pain and anguish to many in the War Room. Morgan was growing increasingly agitated with Nicolas as he seemed to imply that the only way to deal with Sharon was to kill her and she felt that Ava would undoubtedly side with him in the interest of Haleigh.>>

<< it was a tough situation for all involved, but some had a worse time than others.>>

<< Alycia was gone, as it was meant to happen but she figured very much into this situation as well and if anyone had doubts as to how valuable she was ...that would soon be answered as well.>>

<< meanwhile, as darkness continued to reign over the city and the four members of the six continued to meet in the war room, others on Illustra's private floors enjoyed rest, ONE of them was about to be awakened in a most hard hitting way...>>

[Alycia Barnett]

:: It was much easier than she thought, revealing her ultimate plan to Delilah and then leaving Illustra. Alycia was thankfull to have been able to deal with Delilah more than before in this situation because the woman prooved to be far more logical and LIKE MINDED to herself than she thought.::

:: having left Illustra covertly, Alycia was now reunited with her Force Works agents and meeting in a secure facility where jamming devices blocked out all technological surveilance and white noise generators made it HARD for psychics to gain "access" as well. only a PRECOG or some other extreme measure would be able to breach their security as Alycia met with her agents, briefing them but SELECTIVELY leaving out the issue of Haleigh at Illustra as she promised Morgan and Delilah.::

After a necessary PERSONAL detour, I have had a chance to gather further information that underscores what our initial findings suggested. There ARE surviving Mystech operatives, NAMELY Rick Riley and he has been salvaging operations at the underground facility of The Cell.

:: providing files and a profile on Rick Riley to the members of her group, she continues.::

Rick Riley is wanted not only for being abandonning his position in the United Stats military, but also for acts of treason and domestic terrorism, kidnapping, assault , attempted rape and first degree murder. He is on the top 10 federal fugitives list and due to a MAJOR tip that i've received this evening, I believe we now have the chance to finally capture him.

:: leaning on her desk, she looked out at her men with a vengenfull glint in her eye.::

Apprehension by WHATEVER FORCE NECESSARY is authorized by me. If he DIES in the process, it will be considered the result of his resisting arrest and evading capture. is that clear?

:: her men knew what she mean. KILL HIM on sight and let ME handle the rest. several of those charges against him stemmed from his dealings with HER and SHARON...she never forgot..NEVER FORGAVE and now it was time for PAYBACK!::

Senior field officer: Miss Barnett? what about Illustra? are we still to keep an eye on the building?

Alycia: no...I will handle that personally. Right now, the security risk that i believed to be there is NOT and there is no need for deep scrutiny of Illustra or its operations. Right now, i want our goal to be Rick Riley. Do it fast, efficiently and draw as little attention as you can. IN AND OUT..no heroics. We can bring him back to washingto in a BODY BAG and let the suits do the pubic spinning so that the public is satisfied to know that true TERRORIST has been dealt with.

:: Alycia, who was now wearing her sleek, state of the art form fitting "body armor" was armed with her repulsor blasters in crossing, low slung holsters along with her EMP wand in its sheathed thigh strap, and various devices contained in a "utility belt". ::

we will maintain closed communications among ourselves with our communicator emblems on the uniforms and travel in two vehicals coming from opposite directions. your teleporter rings are programmed with coordinates to allow you accurate arrival points within the underground fortress of the cell. once inside...KILL ANYTHING that moves.

[Oracle]

<< after the briefing, and Force Works arming themselves for a quick, efficient "take down/retreival" operation, Alycia leads her men to the sigh of where the Cell used to be above ground. two sleek, well armoured vehicles converage on the sight with no obvious action at first. instead, at her word, the group activates their "teleport rings" [ think of the character Viper II from marvel comics] and transport down to the underground cave network at their predetermined coordinates. >>

<< The Cell, another scarey place to be, no matter if you have powers or NOT. Alycia's Force Works soldiers were among the best their was...better than anything the traditional military could come up with and on par with the men formerly employed by Barbara Minerva or Clandestine Inc. Some of these men here tonight were the same ones who fought alongside Alycia, Karen and the Six on the Isle of Aerie and they knew their lives were at risk NOW as they were THEN...but these men were a cut above others.>>

<< still, no amount of physical prowess, weaponry or even POWER could guarantee surviving an encounter with MysTech or anything related.>>

<< the night moves on, and so do the hearts and minds of the six and their allies...all on a collision course with the new VENGEFULL personification of "the past come back to haunt".>>

[Alycia Barnett]

:: inside the underground cave network, Alycia remembered ALL TOO WELL this place and how it felt. even NOW, with all that she had become...she suddenly felt MORE than a little nervous as she walked along, lighting her way with a blue light torch. two of her men flanking her and surveying EVERYTHING around them with infrared and motion detectors as well as everyone keeping linked through theier uniform emblem communicators.::

this place...as dank and as constrictive as it was BEFORE.

:: every sound..every haunting echo caused her eyes to dart here and there. her heart rate was up..her breathing more pronounced. she clutched one her repulsor blasters, ready to annihilate anything that appeared.::

:: round corners, down passage ways, Alycia saw the prison cells, some contained the skeletal remains of prisoners long dead. OTHERS were vacant, and some others still contained..::

Biohazards!!

:: She flinched slightly as a MANTICOR looking creature with a scorpion's tail slammed against the thick steel door::

:: looking back at her men...she exhaled slowly::

Let's keep moving. the mouth of the cave network should be a few meters ahead.

:: SHE remembered the inner sanctum of the Cell. She had been interrogated in this area, this was also where Rick battered her and broke her arm. her face tightened with disgust as she moved into the cave's mouth. she received input that the other force works agents were dispatching some smaller bio hazards elsewhere in the tunnel but there were no casualties to force works yet.::

:: finally at the spot where Morgan and Nicolas had faced creatures before THEY attempted to leave, Alycia took note of the damage.::

soldier: Miss Barnett, should we run a scan to see what caused their deaths?

:: Since Morgan had proclaimed she was coming to the Cell several hours agao, she realized this was probably the handy work of Spellbinder and Rampage...and thought for a moment.::

No. they're dead, it doesnt matter HOW they got that way. let's keep moving. our goal is nearly at hand!

:: finally inside the long, metallic corridor that lead to the innermost sanctrum of the cell, Alycia remembered THIS place most of all. her mental anguish was beginning to flare like a BEACON as her heart rate increased until finally they happened upon the same grizzly scene that Morgan and Nicolas had found earlier.::

UGH!!

:: even her men cringed at the sight..and SMELL of the scene before them. badly mutilated, decaying bodies...blood and gore everywhere...and a few spinning stars that were firmly lodged into the large computer screen, consoles, chairs and other areas.::

Someone ... :: covering her mouth and face with a mask:: has been here before....and decided to do some redecorating.

scan these two men for DNA idenfitifacation...see if one of them is Rick!

:: as her soldiers began to comply she took notice of the large screen...and the flickering, yet strong image stream...it took her a moment but she realized that it was....HALEIGH!!::

:: she looked back at her men, who hadnt noticed this yet.::

the best thing to do, is to not draw attention. keep them focused on this task and lead them ELSEWHERE. I dont know WHAT this is about....although i SUSPECT that its the "leak" in security that Morgan was referring to all along! whoever these men were...they were keeping an UNINTERRUPTED feed open of Illustra and apparently using HALEIGH to do it!

:: her own suspicions about Haleigh were seemingly reaffirmed. that the woman would NEVER truly have seperated herself from her shady, MYSTECH ties. she shook her head slightly...hoping that Morgan and Nicolas had discovered THIS and were already doing something to protect themselves accordingly.::

soldier: DNA scan confirms that NEITHER of these two were Rick Riley. one is Cole Reese and Angelo Macon BOTH were formerly employed by MALICE, the WHITE QUEEN of the Hellfire Club and MysTech's figurehead.

Alycia: hmm, Malice abandonned her flunkies the night the city was ravaged by the rogue metahuman, Blackout. they must have regrouped and taken refuge underground here, using their ties to Mystech to support themselves. THAT would explain why energy, e-transfers and other activity were traced back here...but someone clearly FOUND them and dispatched them. we've no way of knowing WHO?

soldier: initial scans are inconclusive at this time, Ms. Barnett, however there is indication that there were OTHER people here not even two hours ago.

Morgan and Nicolas!!

:: quickly redirecting that comment, she spoke::

that could have been a bio hazard. some of them are humanoid..some of them USED TO BE human. or it could have been some left over Black guards, mystech's disposable front line of defense.

:: making sure to stand over the men who were crouched down to keep them from getting up and seeing the monitor, Alycia points toward the next door way.::

let's move in here...and see what we can find!

:: Alycia points...unaware of what they are about to come upon in THIS room as they trio move onward.::

[Oracle]

<< and so, this trio moves on into the lab, the rest of Force Works agents move through the cave network to reach the mouth, eliminating any stray bio hazards or black guards that they come upon. everything SEEMS to be going well ...but EVERYONE should remember that the WORST THINGS happen when things seem to be at their best.>>

<< Alycia herself , who has been on EDGE as she fights back memories of this place from her LAST TIME here, is just finally beginning to feel like she might make it through, but she's about to get a slap in the face.>>

[Alycia Barnett]

:: inside the mysterious, large lab, Alycia heard many odd sounds...some machinery and electric systems had been disrupted.::

Soldier: scans indicate a violent explosion took place only hours ago, originating from the large incubator tube near the center of the lab. various systems are offline from the backlash but the power flow to this room is still at full strength....somehow.


:: Alycia nodded as she stepped carefully, her high heeled boots crushing some of the smaller pieces of glass and touching the remaining liquid of the nutrient bath that had once been contained in the incubator tube.::

could it have been another bio hazard experiment gone wrong?

:: she came closer to the incubator tube and squated down, looking at the computer readout...the vital stats monitor was blinking and fluxuating..but there was a scrolling ID for the subject that should have been contained in the tube..::

there's something here that indicates...what or who was.....

:: she looked and blinked with disbelief...::

in...the tube...

:: her voice trailed off as her eyes began to widen.::

Kelly, Sharon Lynn

....oh...oh my god!!

:: she stood up.::

run a FULL sweep of this room! find me something..ANYTHING that might have PLAYBACK of the security footage for this area of the lab from the past 12 hours!!

:: she barked her orders as she went over to a wall mounted monitor. sure enough...another split screen of Sharon Kelly, one showing her at the time of her death...and the other showing her as she is NOW...a woman looking so....UNUSUAL..BEAUTIFULL...but in a WILD way with eyes of metallic silver hue..and flowing hair....images of the night Sharon DIED began to broadcast in Alycia's own mind with full effect. she felt as if she were BACK there again...feeling everything first hand. her bodyo began to shake a bit as she attempted to steady herself. what kind of NIGHTMARE had she walked into!?::

Soldier:....Miss Barnett.....due to dna scans of the liquid on the floor around the tube, it appears that...the subject that was contained in this room...was....Senator Sharon Kelly!

Alycia cried out with SHOCK

NO!!!!

MORGAN!!! SHE KNEW ABOUT THIS!!

:: Alycia's mind SCREAMED with RAGE AND BETRAYAL..and SHOCK! it was so PRONOUNCED that a telepath...like CAMERON KING would MORE than here it.::

...they HAD HER!! ALL THIS TIME and we didnt KNOW!!!???

:: she turned to the others...::

Is she STILL in here..or ANYWHERE in the Cell!?

:: the soldier nods to the negative.::

and Rick Riley?

:: again to the negative...::

HOW COULD THEY HAVE KEPT THIS FROM ME!? WHAT THE HELL!!

oh god...we better get out of here!! we've got to....

:: She turns, ready to PASS OUT from the shock and dismay that she's feeling...and makes her way for the door. at that moment, LIGHTS flash and flood the lab....and the sound of energy building is heard as a neon hued blue light begins to form openings in the wall from one side of the room and begins to sweep across the room::

LASERS!!

GET OUT OF THERE!!

:: Alycia screams but the door slides SHUT, seperating her from her men and soon, the horrible sound of SCREAMING is heard as the laser grid slices and burns through her men...decapitating them and leaving their bodies discected and burned piles of flesh on the ground.::

DAMMIT!!

:: she draws her repulsor blaster and makes her way for the next door, touching her uniform emblem.::

all force works soldiers in the cell, this is Alycia Barnett, defense systems have come ONLINE and i've lost two already! prepare for IMMEDIATEL evacuation!!! don't come ANY CLOSER!!

:: as she covers her sides before running, she moves with speed and determination toward the final doorway leading back to the corridor that leads upward to the cave network...but as she reaches the door, she is met with a forcefull HAND to the face that slams into her and knocks her down, stunning her.::

UGH!!!

:: looking up, she feels blood at her mouth...probably a busted lip....her vision returns normal and she sees a large, male form...as the sirens blare...Rick Riley steps forward.

YOU!! BASTARD!!

:: Alycia narrows her eyes with contempt as she screams out at him.::

Rick Riley: it's nice to see YOU again too, "Miss Barnett!" are you as excited about Sharon Kelly as I am? your screams seem to suggest you are.

:: he looks over her flattering uniform::

Rick Riley: playing dress up? trying to pretend to be something MORE than you are?

Alycia: FUCK YOU Riley!

:: touching her emblem again::

FORCE WORKS!! I have a positive lock on Riley!! converge on my position at once...LETHAL FORCE to be used against him!

Rick Rickley: sorry...your men have a previous engagement...with DEATH!

:: at that moment, the roar of a fire storm wave can be heard SWEEPING through the cave network, the rumble and the backdraft can be seen and FELT down the corridor to the nerve center. Alycia's mind is ABLAZE with shock, ANGER and FEAR as she hears her men DYING.:

i lead them to this!! HOW COULD I HAVE BEEN SO STUPID!

Rick Riley: i was HOPING YOU would show. I know i've been waiting for this meeting as long as YOU have...and now that we're ALONE....

Alycia: :: she yells , interrupting him:: NO!! you wont have me!! I won't LET YOU!! I'll KILL YOU!

:: she stands up..and RUSHES forward...ready to attack him now! she's ready to FIGHT. its not like it was last time. she wont LET IT be that way!::

Rick Riley: ALL ABOARD!

:: he catches her as she prepares to strike him, using his bionic arm to replace the one he lost courtesy of Haleigh from the LAST battle at the Cell. from that arm, he unleashes a VIOLENT electrical pulse that painfull jolts Alycia and renders her unconscious. catching her in his arm, he smirks.::

Rick Riley: I bet you want to kick my ass more than ever before. Probably could give it a REAL DECENT TRY now too based on what i've learned about you. But alas, my pretty black bird, i have OTHER plans for you.

:: and with that, Rick activates his own personal transporting device, a design made possible by the mutant Pipeline and with that, Rick Riley and Alycia Barnett are GONE from the cell, as the nerve center returns to its former state....dark, quiet and only the soft hum of power in the air....two more destroyed bodies now occupy the nerve center of the cell..and cave network has been scoured by fire....leaving LESS than no trace of the men or any bio hazards that were there at the time of the fire wave.::

[Oracle]

<< in that one, terrifying, brutal moment, Alycia's worst fears and unexpected wildest imagination came together to proove all too true. She'd ucconvered the fact that Sharon Kelly was anything BUT dead at this point and that Rick Riley, along with two OTHER holderovers from MysTech were in fact holding up in the nerve center of the Cell.>>

<< but before anything more could be said or done...before she could begin to get ahold of herself as the rollercoaster of shock took off, she was attacked, BLINDSIDED by the man she'd come for. her own soldiers were brutally but efficiently dispatched, and SHE was captured. through all of this though, her MIND cried out like NEVER before, and there was ONE person who would more than appreciate the strength of her mental "distress call"...a young and recently returned telepath named Cameron King.>>

<< as he lay in his sister, Alison Marble's apartment, he would find his own dreams superceeded by the feedback generated by Alycia...feeling and even SEEING the images she saw at the moment of her capture. her men being murdered, SHE being confronted by Rick Riley and her attempt to attack him before he renders her unconscious and carries her off. AFTER THAT, there would be nothing...not indiciation of where she was or if she was alive. But the force of this would MORE than jolt him awake. this was something he would HAVE to tell Morgan and the others, who were now in the War Room on the security floor of Illustra.>>

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah almost choked on the bottle of water she was taking a drink of. Had her ears deceived her? Nicolas had just suggested she take over security at Illustra. She wasn't too sure about that idea...she hadn't put in her dues on the force to become a rent-a-cop. ]

"Uh...I'm not sure Haleigh would take being replaced very well. That might be the thing that puts her over the edge and drives her away from us. I'm happy to help you any way I can, Morg, but I don't want this to cause a rift in the Six..."

[ She shifted in her seat a bit, glancing sideways at Ava. Haleigh's sister seemed to approve - she gave her the keys to the kingdom, so to speak. It still seemed odd though. ]

"I'm willing to give anything a try, if you think overloading Haleigh's channels will work, I'm all for it. As for Sharon...I think our goal should be to contain her. Once any threat from her is neutralized, we can figure out how to reverse the damage."

[Rampage]

Nicolas was stung by Morgan's words. He understood that she was hurt by his analysis, and he believed himself prepared for her predicted outburst, but that was still a low hit for him. He swallowed as she lashed out, then relaxed once she apologized. He pressed on but wanted to start by addressing Morgan again as Ava had, concerning Sharon.

I do not wish to simply be rid of the Senator, Morgan. But think of what we will do if we save her and restore her memory completely. Then what? She remembers an entire life she can no longer have. All of that is assuming we can defeat her without killing her, and can restore a mind that has been utterly broken down and reconstituted . I hope we CAN accomplish it all, and there IS a chance. But I would be remiss if I failed to tell you the whole truth, that we should be prepared to not be able to save her. I hate to say it, but I OWE you the truth.

Nicolas turned to Delilah.

I have the utmost faith in your ability, and I think that your unique set of experiences and even-minded nature suits us best here and in the future. I have an idea of a "composite" security protocol that you would oversee. It would incorporate small bits of what we all do best, and in the end, you would coordinate the synergy of the different methods as they overlap. I am also offering my best guy to assist. Mike is experienced in creative solutions to security problems, and he is familiar with us and trustworthy. In fact, I have already had him watching us from time to time in the last couple of days, as a backup.

As for Haleigh, we need to move ASAP. If Alycia's men get there and see that feed still open, it could put her in a bad situation protecting us again. Delilah, you could probably short out Mystech's interference with Haleigh right here, without even bothering Haleigh at this time. I would also ask you to note the frequencies used for future reference...

Nicolas looks at Ava.

Ava, I owe you an apology. In a situation in which you could have allowed your personal feelings to hinder your helpfulness, you have instead shown yourself as both rational and tolerant, considering the touchy subjects you have encountered. In the past, my comments and thoughts about you have been less than kind, but I hope we can move forward from that. With your sister, I truly believe that if we can free her from Mystech's control and Zach's enabling influence, we can actually help her. To that end, your opinion and persuasion is crucial. You know her as none of us do, and her future is very much in your hands, inasmuch as she is not capable at this time of defending herself or rationally dealing with this situation. after Delilah shorts out the connection, I would say we have no more than 48 hours tops before we must have something permanent in place for her.


Nicolas looks at all of them.

So our time to act is sooner, not later. If you wish Morgan I will contact Cameron and Karen now.

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron was enjoying the slumber, the peace and the calm of his sister's luxury penthouse. He felt so comfortable there and so peaceful. But that peace was rapidly and VIOLENTLY jolted when Cameron was shocked away by the mental "distress call" of Alycia Barnett. Her mind was SCREAMING and it was almost more than Cameron could take. He felt as if he was IN her body, seeing what she was seeing. She had gone down into the Cell with Force Works in search of Rick Riley, he felt her intense anger and rage that turned to blunt and traumatic fear as Rick HIMSELF appeared in front of her, quickly and expeditiously taking out her team. She attacked him, but he grabbed her with a bionic arm, something that he could discern from Alycia's mind was new, something he didn't have before. Electric jolts shocked through her body and through CAMERON's as he began to convulse. Cameron's vision went blurry as he shook off the images long enough to see Rick Riley teleport away with Alycia. Everything quickly and promptly faded to black. Was she alive? Where did he take her? Why did he kidnap her again? What was he up to? Taking a moment to recover, he breathed heavily and was in a cold sweat. He had NEVER felt or seen someone's mind call out that intensely. ::

"What... the FUCK was THAT?!"

:: Instantly he mentally scanned the entirety of Illustra to see if Morgan and Nicholas had returned. He locked on Haleigh who was in her penthouse apartment with Zach, Karen who was in Morgan's place, and finally Ava, Delilah and Nicholas. He also could sense a great deal of magick near them, figuring it to be Morgan. He called out with his mind to Ava, Delilah and Nicholas, loud in clear, realizing they were in the War Room, he headed down while talking to them. ::

[b]"Nobody move, it's Cameron! Everybody stay put! It's urgent! I will be down there in a second!"

:: Cameron ran as fast as he could after leaving the elevator before bursting in through the War Room doors, his chest heaving, obviously having something urgent to say. ::

"Alycia! I saw everything! Her MIND cried out to me in a way I have NEVER experienced! She went down to the cell with Force Works to KILL Rick Riley! He blindsided HER! He killed her entire team! She tried to fight back, but now the guy has a Bionic ARM and knocked her unconscious with it before teleporting out! I couldn't see anything outside of that! I just know that RICK RILEY is back and he has ALYCIA! AGAIN!"

:: Prophet grabbed his head, it was throbbing with pain, the remnants of Alycia as he took a moment to sit down, he was REALLY dizzy and could barely focus. ::
"I need... a glass.. of water..."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan was totally unhappy with Nicolas. She felt that he didn't care and even if that wasnt RATIONAL of her..that's just how she felt at this moment as she glared at him with an unforgiving glow in her icy violet eyes.>>

and I would be remiss if i didnt inform YOU that right now, i'm VERY UPSET!

<< her tone was sharp and filled with agitation.>>

<< she looked at Delilah.>>

I wouldnt worry about Haleigh feeling like she's being replaced. THIS is a matter of protection and since OTHER people in this room are so willing to GET RID of other people for the sake of safety, we might as well keep in line with that theme!

<< she stands up.>>

If you'll all excuse me. I'm CLEARLY not capable of continuing this discussion anymore. In fact...I may not be capable of LEADING anymore EITHER . I dont know WHO i'm working with at this moment....and I need to GET OUT of here. I've HAD IT with watching people i care about SUFFER because of SOMEONE ELSE'S INABILITY TO CONTROL THEMSELVES! If HALEIGH hadn't been such an ASS time and again....maybe we wouldnt even BE HERE right now!

<< she couldnt function anymore she was UNABLE to balance the scales in her mind and the more she thought about it, the more she felt her "OLD SELF" returning...the bitter, RESENTFULL Morgan that would just as soon knock someone's HEAD OFF with one punch than tolerate their bullshit.>>

<< she didnt care about what happened anymore at this point. she wanted to leave...and go somewhere...ANYWHERE. hell, she'd setting for rushing head long into SHARON and fighting her in order to CAPTURE her and take her to LIMBO where her magicks reigned supreme.>>

i'm not going to sit here and debate on how to clean up yet ANOTHER one of haleigh's messes...while a friend that i CARE about is already under a target scope and my career stands to be RUINED behind all of this.

<< turning to leave, Cameron bellows over the intercom before bursting into the room shortly there after...Morgan looks at him with an astonished, if not dismayed stare as he seems VERY distressed....explaining that he "SAW" Alycia going to the Cell to find and kill Rick Riley and that Rick had set a TRAP!>>

<< WHY did Nicolas have to be right so many times? she couldnt STAND him right now. if this were HIS father....what woud he be saying? would he be so QUICK to sacrifice HIM?>>

<< Alycia had been captured. it was like history was REPEATING itself only with a new cast in certain places. she stared at Cameron as he sat down and took a glass of water...>>

Alycia


that's it...my career is finished.

<< Morgan couldnt possibly pursue her latest project now behind this....and now Alycia's life was in jeopardy...in Morgan's mind..she'd already FAILED. what was she thinking?! trying to lead a team AND Illustra Inc? >>

<< well, if she was going to be ruined, and have MORE blood on her hands...she might as well do what she always did BEST...BUST HEADS and ask questions later.>>

<< without speaking to Cameron, she left the War Room...a flash of light indicated she TELEPORTED AWAY with a disc. where she was going...was ANYONE'S guess.>>

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Nicolas began to speak again, which was never a bright idea. Resting her elbow on the metal table, she began to massage her forehead with her finger tips utterly irritated. He just didn't know when to stop. It was obvious what Sharon MIGHT not survive this situation, but continually talking about it wasn't the best course of action. Especially with Morgan in the room. Three....two....one. Right on cue, Morgan began to go off on Nicolas, proclaiming that she couldn't take this. That her career was over. She shouldn't run the team. And that Haleigh was to blame for EVERYTHING. Lifting her other arm, she rested that elbow on the table as well, now fully cupping her face with her hands. ::

"Morgan, please--"

:: Cameron's voice began to bellow in the room, cutting Ava off. Lifting her face from her hands, she turned to see him storming into the war room explaining what had happened to Alycia. ::

"Fantastic."

:: Ava mumbled, hearing him ask for water, but not bothering to get up and get him some. Looking over at Morgan, she seemed utterly defeated. Pushing herself away from the table, she stood just as Morgan began to leave the room. ::

"Morgan, wait.."

:: A stepping disc swept Morgan away to an unknown location, leaving Ava standing by the enterence of the war room. Huffing out a heavy breath, it was obvious she was very annoyed. Not only with Nicolas, but with Morgan blaming everything on Haleigh. ::

"I'm really at the end of my teather with everyone blaming this entire situation on Haleigh. She's as much a victim in this as ALYCIA."

:: Turning to face the group, Ava crossed her arms along her chest. With Alycia captured, Sharon roaming around God knows where, and Haleigh incompasitated, things were escalating from bad to worse. Keeping her composure for the most part, Ava made her way back over to her seat, and rested both forearms on the back of the leather chair, leaning slightly forward. ::

"So what now? Wait for Morgan to come back? Go after Alycia? Try and locate Sharon. There are so many variables in this situation, where the HELL do we begin?"

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron got himself some water and drank it down fast as he watched Morgan teleport off to god knows where. He looked at the group as Ava began to speak. He was really trying to change but this woman really made it hard for him to keep his mouth shut. He felt like he was meeting Morgan Victoria again for the first time, in less expensive shoes. Cameron got to his feet slowly. ::

"Oh God Ava, get over it. Morgan usually blames everything on Haleigh. It's her first instinct. She doesn't trust Haleigh and that is just how it is. She doesn't have her best friend, most of her good friends have a way of getting captured or murdered, and she is scared, give the woman a BREAK... you can't change that woman's nature..."

:: He looked towards Nicholas before taking a seat again, still a little whoozy from before. ::

"It makes no sense to go after Morgan... she will come back when she wants to, there is NO WAY to find Morgan if she doesn't want to be found. I think the first order of business is to FIX Haleigh, sever that tie to Mystech. Your thoughts are shouting Nicholas, but it is a good idea... if Delilah is willing, that is exactly what you two should get started on.."

:: Cameron reluctantly turned to Ava. ::

"I think you and I should work on finding Rick Riley and Alycia or at least work on finding their location. I can go through some of her possessions at Delilah's apartment, see if I can get a vision... perhaps we should go back to the Cell, see if I can pick ANYTHING up at all? I know it's dangerous, but with Morgan gone, and nothing really solved it couldn't hurt could it? You don't like me, I don't like you, but how about you put your ignorant holier than thou attitude and opinion about me away for a few hours and HELP?"

[Rampage]

Nicolas failed utterly in reassuring Morgan or getting her to THINK. She was getting caught up in the motion of the moment, and decided to shoot the messenger. Nicolas stiffened as she spoke to him and basically began to MELT DOWN.

What the fuck is her being upset going to do?!! I know she is upset, but her lack of restraint is troubling...

Nicolas started as Cameron broadcast in stereo into his mind. As the telepath ran in and gave the news about Alycia, he could almost see something snap in Morgan...

Morgan, don't!!

But it was too late. She had disappeared in a flourish. No doubt to either rescue Alycia or to subdue Sharon on her own. But which one? As Ava voiced her displeasure, Nicolas simply looked. he knew hat it was a sore point, but at some point Ava wold have to accept the bad history here. Her constantly railing against it would do no good, and he had hoped that she was done with that earlier. He was apparently wrong. He sighed heavily as she asked what the next move should be. Cameron gave his assessment, which was pretty sound overall. nicolas then responded, his voice weary.

We can quickly accomplish severing that tie I believe. After that, for me and Delilah I think that locating Morgan would be most prudent. She CAN Be located and in fact, if we find her, she is probably very forcefully dealing with one of our other issues. I MAY be able to find her, but the person best suited for that job ultimately is her mother. But first let's check something...Computer, is Morgan Victoria in the building???

[Shadow Weaver]

<< a stern , elegant voice is heard.>>

Perhaps, we should START by getting a grip on ourselves.

<< Karen walked into the war room, wearing her black "flying suit". she looked refreshed and rejuvinated, but her eyes portrayed a look of "i'm NOT in the mood" as she surveyed the room.>>

I heard what happened. I FELT it as my daughter's distress went through the roof.

I'm afraid there's NOTHING we can do about Alycia at the MOMENT.

<< she came further in, looking around the room, before handing Cameron a glass of water.>>

Nicolas, i don't think you're handling this very well. I don't think you understand how DELICATE and how TRAUMATIC this is. You're talking about a situation, a PERSON who HAUNTS three people on this team. I dont expect you to appreciate that because you werent there....but do TRY a little more tenderness next time when you're dealing with someone who is on a TIGHTROPE OF EMOTION.

<< turning to Ava.>>

your strength and reserve is remarkable. I realize earlier that i lost my temper with you. you are in a most difficult position not only because of Haleigh, but because of the spectre of your father and Master Mold. You cannot escape that and you MUST be prepared to brave whatever backlash comes from that. Your father HURT alot of people and it was HIS engineering that facilitated Sharon's death....

but the person to BLAME is not in this room...or even ILLUSTRA. the person to BLAME now is Rick Riley. the SAME MAN who would have gladly RAPED Sharon is now using her as his unwitting catspaw...and if she WAS to die....he would not care because to HIM she is simply a means to an end.

MORGAN is on the edge right now. I feel it....she doesnt want to HURT anyone in this room, so she left. Leave her be for now....and take this time to fortify Illustra and move it away from its dependence on Haleigh's technology.

<< standing next to Cameron..>>

Cameron, keep your mind's eye open...scan as far as you can without putting yourself at risk. Alycia is smart enough to know that you can pick up her thoughts from where she is...unless she's unconscious...but Rick won't kill her..not yet. From what i know of him, the file that ive seen....he's OBSESSED with finishing what he started the LAST time at the Cell...he wants to SUBJUGATE Haleigh...and the fact that she is PERMANENTLY LINKED to Mystech is what he's using to get to her now.

the best thing ALL of you can do now...is take small but productive steps toward the goal...of saving Haleigh....but things are going to get WORSE before they get better and if Haleigh DOESNT cooperate...it will make it that much harder.

I will look for Morgan, Delilah will accompany me. She doesnt need to see either of you at the moment.

<< looking at Ava and Nicolas.>>

Cameron, stay with them and do what they ask in terms of Haleigh.

[Pam De Beaufort]

"You're really treading on thin ice, King."

:: Ava commented as Cameron opened his mouth and told her to 'get over it'. Who the hell did this little troll think he was? Ava was angry and annoyed with this entire situation. Her sister was being attacked and used, yet people still can't seem to want to blame her. It was only natural for Ava to feel upset about the situation. But of course, Cameron and his all knowing self, decided to open his mouth and proclaim she didn't have th right to. ::

"I'm quite aware of HOW Morgan views Haleigh, thank you. I'm so sorry for expressing my anger over the situation."

:: Rolling her eyes, Ava couldn't work with this man. He was insufferable and a complete jackass. Craning her neck to the side as Cameron spoke to Nicolas, Ava parted her lips with her tongue, wetting them. Cameron addressed her, stating they shoudl work together. Letting out a 'you've got to be kidding me' HA, Ava finally made eye contact with him, as he yet again, insulted her. ::

"My 'ignorant, holiar than thou' self would rather work with someone who's mature enough to sit through a G-rated movie. I'll assist Delilah, Nicolas can go with you to The Cell."

:: Washing her hands of Cameron's 'plan', Karen soon entered the room addressing everyone. Looking at her, Ava appriciated her apology and knew she was under a lot of stress as well. This wasn't an easy situation for anyone. Particularly the Victoria's. Nodding a bit as she explained that Ava would experience much backlash because of her ties with her family and MysTech, Ava already knew this, but it didn't exactly make it any easier. Looking from Karen to Nicolas and Cameron, Ava gritted her teeth but kept her mouth shut as Karen instructed that she would work with the two men while Delilah worked along side with her. Deciding to take a different approach, Ava simply stayed quiet and didn't bother voicing her displeasure. ::

[Rampage]

On cue, Karen Victoria walked into the room. She was definitely girded for war and her attitude was direct and stern. As she admonished Nicolas for his manner on dealing with Morgan, the mutant listened and tried to empathize with what Morgan must be feeling. He thought that they had gotten to a new place just a few hours ago, but now he felt like leaving just as much as she did. Leaving EVERYTHING. What was it worth when you could not even try to pursue personal happiness? Never before had Nicolas felt so close to being where he wanted to be yet so far away from it all at once. He buried his face in his hands as Karen continued. Before she left, he looked up to Delilah. He was clearly very upset at this point, but his tone remained even.

Delilah, if you could initiate the overload now, we can work from there while you two look for Morgan. I hope you find her and she is...OK.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< karen corrected cameron.>>

you're incorrect. its not that Morgan doesnt trust Haleigh, its that Morgan DOESNT UNDERSTAND why Haleigh BEHAVES this way. It can drive ANYONE no matter how long suffering they may be UP THE WALL with frustration. Provoking Ava will avail you nothing and will only ADD to the tense emotional distress in the air. Haleigh and Morgan endured the loss of Sharon together...before Haleigh lost MORGAN too but before ALL of that...the two of them had found peace among each other and TRUST. that TRUST is still there, otherwise Morgan would have banished Haliegh or WORSE by now.

PAIN cannot be avoided, or IGNORED by ANYone. It must be dealt with. the dealing may not be the best coordinated at times. hell, sometimes you have to CRAWL to finish the last leg of a seemingly ENDLESS marathon..but as long as you do SOMETHING ...ANYTHING to get there...then someone ELSE will glady step in to help where they can. Haleigh has YET to accept that help.

<< looking at Ava who was MORE than brimming with agitation.>>

You're doing your best, and its PLENTY good, but try to understand that like Nicolas, you werent THERE before. Regardless of your familial bond with Haleigh, you simply were NOT THERE for what happened and so you cant stand in proxy for her on THAT, NOR can you deny Morgan what she's going through NOW.

is there an answer for EVERYTHING right now? NO. Can you...can WE all get through this as best we can? YES.

there may BE confrontation but that may be necessary. part of this caper has been about digging up the past, to understand what's going on NOW. facing the past is NEVER EASY...especially when TRAUMA is involved. Haleigh is being FORCED to face HER'S in the worst way and Morgan is now being backed into a corner by a situation that she never dreamed she'd face. there's more than one victim here...but as i told Alycia..NONE of you has the LUXURY of being a victim for long and when ONE of you can't carry on..the REST need to step up and step IN.

I will do what i can to help....I admittedly had a rough time earlier today and I'm sorry if i hurt anyone's feelings. But i will not see any of you abandonned to a cruel fate. This is a FAMILY an Family will have its problems...and get THROUGH those problems.

<< Karen stood and waited, as Delilah would do what Nicolas needed her to do before they left to find Morgan.>>

Use the cover of night to do as much as you can...for tomorrow will bring a new set of challenges. You dont need ME to tell you that either.

[Pam De Beaufort]

"Karen, I didn't mean to make it seem like I don't care how Morgan feels. I do, VERY much. And I understand how trying this situation is for her and everyone who was involved with the...Master Mold caper. I suppose I feel like I need to defend Haleigh twice as much since she can't defend herself. She's a unique individual, to put it lightly. I truly admire both yours and Morgan's tolerance of her. I know she can be very hard to get along with sometimes."

:: Ava spoke calmly to Karen, and was more at ease now than before. Her irritation toward Cameron still hadn't changed, but she needed to make sure Karen KNEW that Ava understood why Morgan was reacting the way that she was, and that she held no ill feelings toward her. Ava cared very much for Morgan, even though they hadn't truly 'bonded' since she became apart of the team. She reminded her so much of Darkchilde, it was hard not to feel a connection to her. Same with Karen. ::

[Jacob Black]

:: Cameron felt a little embarassed. He didn't know what it was about Ava, but he just didn't like her. She didn't even know him and she hated him, just by how he "acted"? It was ridiculous. Cameron WOULD have given her a fair chance, and WOULD have been nice to her if she hadn't made her disdain for him so obvious. Afterall, he did give Nicholas a chance and found him now to be one of the more tolerable members of the new roster of the Six. The sad fact was that she was a Cassadine and telling Cameron where he stood on the moral compass was just ridiculous and it really rubbed Cameron the wrong way. He was about to counter when Karen entered and promptly corrected him. ::

"Karen.. I am sorry. I wasn't giving Morgan the credit she deserves. I am sorry.. This whole situation, my mind, Alycia's SCREAMS, I can still here them, I can still feel them. It's making my skin tingle... I just want to find Morgan, find Alycia and FIX Haleigh... it seems overwhelming..."

:: He turned to Ava and cringed as he said it, but he knew that he didn't want to run into the same problems he had before with the original team of the Six and apologized. ::

"Look, I know we rub each other the wrong way, well honestly, we just don't like each other.. but I am willing to back off if you are. We are never going to help anyone here if we can't trust each other or work together.. a truce? At least for now?"

:: He held out his hand as he turned to Nicholas and Karen. ::

"I will reach out with my mind's eye, trying to match what I felt and heard. Alycia is smart, she will send an SOS of some sort... all the while I will try and help Nicholas and Ava with whatever they need."

:: Sighing, Cameron's mind still was REELING from what he had experienced moments ago and yet he pushed out his mind's eye as far as he could reach over the city, putting "feelers" out for any trace of Alycia or Rick Riley for that matter. Cameron also kept lookout for Sharon Kelly, if she was as powerful as they said she was now, if she was that angry and on that BIG of a warpath, Cameron would be able to detect it. Cameron was a STRONG telepath, but he was no SEER. Normally he would have been able to instantly lock onto his target, but not knowing a general location, the status of his target, it made things more difficult. He was kind of over reaching his mind's eye but he figured the bigger the better in this instant. He desperately wanted to find something ANYTHING that would lead him to Alycia. ::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Glancing over at Cameron as he called a 'truce', his gesture may have been admirable, but the look on his face of utter dislike while doing it made Ava less than enthusiastic to accept. Narrowing her eyes ever so slightly as he extended his hand, she kept her eyes locked on Cameron's while lifting her chin ever so slightly. Finally peering down at his hand, Ava reluctantly took his hand and shook it for their 'truce'. ::

"Fine. For now."

:: Taking her hand back, Cameron was not here when Ava acted the same way toward every member of the six after first meeting. Hell, she still treats Nicolas like dirt under her shoe, but to a lesser degree than before. ;) She didn't let ANY of them close to her until their last caper. So in reality, she wasn't singling Cameron out, she just kept her gaurd up around 'new faces'. Especially arrogant men. After having to deal with pigs like Hades and Zeus, that was the only way for her to survive. ::

:: Backing up to the tables edge, Ava slid herself up onto the table top and crossed her legs at the knee. Nodding to Cameron as he suggested reaching out with his minds eye to find Alycia. Looking over to Nicolas, since he went to the cell first hand, he would be most suited to answer her question. ::

"So once Delilah severs Haleigh's link, can we destory the cell to prevent any of this from happening again? Or do you think it could still be harmful to her in some way?"

[Rampage]

Nicolas watched as the two before him called a truce. He only wished he and Persephone had taken that opportunity before things went so far. However, he still felt that it would all work out, eventually. She still treated him like dirt, but GOOD dirt. The thought alone made him smirk a bit and shake his head as she slithered onto the table. No wonder Mike was so attracted. Even when being really shitty to a man she still oozed "good enough to eat" all over. A rare trait, one that probably kicked Hades' ass all the way to his deathbed. As she asked him a question, he responded smoothly, speaking in affectionate tones about Haleigh.

If I am right, the feedback from her severing the connection will be too much for the computers linked to Haleigh. The resultant damage should not harm Haleigh, but make the specialized receptors that handled that secret signal be inoperable in her for at least a day. I figure another day for them to try to worm their way back in, in which time we fix things for her and bolster her internal defenses. we can only fix it in HER, we cannot control what they try to do in the future. I hope it works, Haleigh is actually a good friend to me despite our earlier problems.

Nicolas stood up, flexing and stretching instinctively as he walked past Persephone. He extended his hand to help her from her perch on the table. One truce seemed to be as good as another.

I figure Delilah is already doing her thing, so we should go to see Haleigh now. Zach is NOT to interfere.

[MorningStar]

[ Delilah massaged her temples as everyone bickered. She was about to tell them all to shut up when Karen appeared and did it for her. God Bless Dr. Victoria.

Not that she didn't sympathize with Ava, who had to hear her sister vilified. And with Morgan, who couldn't reconcile her feelings about Sharon with what she might have to do. And Cameron...well Cameron had flown off the handle and she really didn't sympathize with him at all.

She nodded and said a silent prayer of thanks as Karen indicated that she would accompany the doctor to look for Morgan. She wanted to be there when Morgan was found - who knew what state she would be in and she didn't trust any of the others not to get into an argument with her again.

When the others gave her the nod to begin, she took a deep breath. ]

"I'm ready."

[ Closing her eyes, she attuned her body to the building. Then to Haleigh's floor. Then to Haleigh's apartment. And then she found Haleigh. She zoned in on the signal that Haleigh was sending out, and with another deep breath, used her power to up the signal's power dramatically. Acting like a human amplifier, Delilah forced the ramped up signal back to it's source. Hopefully it would be enough. ]

"It's done."

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen saw a bit of the "old" Cameron when he dealt with Ava. They provoked each other, much like he and Alison did in the beginning. this was not nearly as volitile as he earlier relationship with Morgan, but it was obvious that PERSEPHONE'S influence would more than allow Ava to dispatch Cameron again if she was pushed over the edge. THANKFULLY, Cameron back tracked and showed how mature he as as he swallowed his pride and struck a truce with the woman.>>

<< the fact that Perspehone was now linked to the Cassadines by the power of the Seige Perilous...made her IRREVERSIBLY a target for blame and being despised because it was her father that engineered Master Mold. Cameron was probably the ONLY person besides Morgan and Alycia who were willing to call her and Haleigh on this repeatedly. Part of Karen AGREED with him too, but still...he had not been there for the events leading up to and including Master Mold so there was only so much he could say.>>

<< Nicolas, clearly wounded by the blow out with Morgan , soldiered on, working toward the goal of putting some kind of BARRIER between Haleigh and the outside forces, while Cameron scanned for Alycia and Ava handed over the security protocalls to Delilah. Karen watched as Nicolas eyed Persephone. did his hormones EVER allow him to remain focused on ONE woman at a time? >>

<< Karen looked upon her other surrogate daughter as the mutant used her power to amplify the signal that Haleigh was subconsciously broadcasting , hopefully Nicolas' plan would work but as this was beyond Karen's realm of expertise, she chose to stand back and let them do their work.>>


<< her own thoughts rested on her daughter, who was back in her own penthouse, standing before the scrying glass. She was searching as well....and the pain and anguish she felt was like a beacon. Morgan was very ANGRY with Nicolas right now, feeling as though he were TRAMPLING on Sharon's memory and not caring at ALL about the fact that inspite of what she may have become now...she was STILL a victim...and worse, Morgan felt like she was finished, as a leader and that her career was about to be RUINED behind all of this.>>

Delilah, when you're finished, I have a feeling that I know where Morgan is. We'll go up and talk with her. The others can handle things here I'm sure...utlimately Haleigh is going to HAVE to step up and help us help her.

[Oracle]

<< and so, as the six muddled their way through this situation, with more setbacks than progress it seemed, there was the feeling that some would never find happiness, that others would be ruined, and that OTHERS STILL would never be free of blame and suspicion. the roster had changed, but the problems and drama remained the same.>>

<< Dr. Victoria appeared, and helped to provide SOME calm to this personal storm among the group of young people and they began to take steps toward accomplishing one goal at a time. the first being to BLOCK Haleigh's own unwitting connection to the outside influence via MysTech.>>

<< having gained more confidence and a honed edge in the use of her light and sonic based powers, MorningStar focused in on the signal being broadcast by the technologial half of Haleigh....locking in on it, the mutant used her power to amplify the signal and bring it to a powerfull, overwhelming level and pushed it as FEEDBACK to the source. as she did so...many of the items in the war room that were still connected to Haleigh, including her own spot at the conference table, VIOLENTLY blinked "on" with raging activity and sparks before stabilizing and powering down again. this was SOME indication that there had been a REACTION, but would it have produced the desired effect? only time would tell.>>

<< with the signal having been tampered/manipulated by MorningStar, Haleigh would have to be fully awakened and ...tested with NEGATIVE stimuli to see if the risk of her random "episodes" was still there.>>


<< meanwhile, Karen and Delilah would need to speak with Morgan. The sorceress was deeply upset about Sharon and no one , in HER mind, seemed to understand or even CARE. It wasnt RIGHT to her..and she couldnt face them now without saying MORE that she might regret.>>

<< Cameron, who had been jolted awake by Alycia's painfull ambush and capture, was doing his best...but in Ava, he found MORE than a foil, he found a source of contempt. He was CLEARLY unimpressed with this woman who had SO MANY links to the problem they were now facing. He was one of the few willing to call her out when he felt it necessary....but sometimes, even he had to learn when to stop, as Karen reminded him. He now focused, using his vast telepathic powers to search for Alycia. only time would tell if he search would proove fruitfull.>>

<< and while HE was looking for Alycia, someone ELSE was looking for THEM.>>

<< Night time was passing, and soon, dawn would approach. the day would no bring an promise or illusion of happiness or resolution. and for some, like Nicolas, even though he may have found himself in good standing with the team, his own heart remained troubled at the wavering situation between himself and Morgan. what would be the outcome? If Sharon died again...would his chances with Morgan ALSO die? >>

[Jill Monroe]

<<on the 107th floor, in the spacious, multi level penthouse, the sound of magick chimes through the air. the scrying glass, a mysterious mystical lense that affords its user the ability to see through time and space, forward and backward. it shimmers and emmits a soft blue glow as gloved hands gesture in front of it.>>

<< Morgan weaves a pattern of power as she looks out across time and space....but her heart is not in it. She struggles to hold back tears of despair, anger and hopelessness. Sharon is coming back for vegneance, Alycia is captured again....Rick Riley is on the loose. it's as if time has rewound itself to play a worse case scenario. all she needs NOW is for Master Mold to come and peer through the panoramic window of her 107th floor luxury penthouse.>>

DAMMIT!!

<< she continues to look, but does not find Alycia or Sharon. not YET. she slams her fist on the scrying glass and leans forward, resting that hand on the top edge of the round , large, mystical lens as she heaves with sadnesses and wipes away her tears.>>

I'm USELESS!

<< she looks at her own refracted image as the energy from the glass dispells while she gives up the spell for now.>>

To save Haleigh, i'm expected to try to hurt or kill sharon. I CAN'T! I WON'T!


<< she struggles for a way....>>

I'll...I'll TELEPORT Haleigh TO LIMBO first!

or maybe I should teleport NICOLAS away, since HE is the one leading the charge for Sharon's SECOND DEATH! the unfeeling BASTARD!

<< she yells out...even though she doesnt think anyone is there to hear her.>>

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen has returned to the 107th floor, with Delilah. They arrive in time to hear Morgan struggling aloud with her feelings on this dreadfull situation. Seeing her daughter hunched over at the Scrying Glass, and noticing the emotional trevailing she's going through, Karen steps forward.>>

Morgan, honey....It's mother, and Delilah. We've come to talk to you.

Oracle: << as Karen and Delilah drew near Morgan, Nicolas, Ava and Cameron were still in the War Room, with MorningStar having done her part, it was up to Nicolas to finish up with that short term plan. Cameron continued to scan for Alycia but at this late point in the evening, there was not much else to be done. Haleigh would awaken soon, upon which time, Nicolas and Cameron could run tests but as the night came to a close and everyone returned to their own dwellings, Nicolas would be instore for one last, VERY unpleasant moment this evening.>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas surveys the monitor that received the feedback from Haleigh. The hard drive was fried, and these computers were the best to be found. He looked at Cameron and Ava.

That should be that for now. The computer that was sending the signals should be equally fried, in fact more so since it was the true source and not simply a peripheral connection as this computer was. Similarly, the physical connections in Haleigh's body will take time to repair themselves. Ava, I would suggest that you simply check on Haleigh for now, allow her to rest so that we can tackle this fresh tomorrow. It appears that Karen is aware of where Morgan may be and so I think we may be able to gather our strength bit for the coming morning. If you two could meet me in about say, five hours at Haleigh's apartment, we can get this show in the road. For now, I have much to think about between now and then.

Nicolas was clearly bothered by Morgan's outburst. In his mind he was simply trying to be strong for her, trying to be honest with her, especially since she had such issues with trust. But it had all backfired on him again, and he was discouraged. Besides that, he was sure Karen had caught him looking at Ava, as if that were a crime. What was a man to do around these women????? Don't look, don't lie, don't be TOO honest that is unfeeling, don't be too strong that is pushy and chauvinistic, don't be too gentlemanly because half the GODDAMN team will think you're a pussy. GEEZ. Nicolas was having a time of it, and he just need to get a nap, then meditate, start over again.

He took his leave of the pair and walked to his apartment. On the way, he tracked and disabled the cameras on the residential floors as a backup in case Mystech and Haleigh were better at repair and re-linkage than he thought.

As he walked in, he took off his clothing quickly and lay on his large couch, closing his eyes as he calmed himself down slowly...

[Tinkerbell]

<< the raspy meow that was the trademark of a siamese punctured the brief silence Nicolas found in his apartment.>>

<< after a few moments, Tinkerbell leaped up onto the couch, looking around for a bit, before looking at Nicolas. how large he was...and unhappy too!>>

<< she meowed again as she walked toward him...a bit hesitant as she seemed to sense his displeasure. her tail swaying a bit as she continued to look at him>>

<< this was the third time she'd visited his place now. Tink had been through ALL the residential floors, but only Delilah and Alison had the unexpected , semi regular pleasure of visits from Tink..until now. Nicolas was new, and curious. He was right for mommy, even if Mommy didnt think so at times.>>

<< Tinkerbell came a bit closer, as bold siamese often do, as she began to brush against his arm and with her head and purr a bit. her own way of trying to help him feel better and be calm.>>

<< was she there just to visit? or something else too? he couldnt be sure, but this mysterious and enchanted familiar was definately more friendly with HIM than she'd ever been with Cameron the first time round. >>

<< she moved up , now standing on his lap...as she began to knead his muscular, toned thighs with her paws, still purring. her claws were all still there and he couldnt help but to feel them as she decided his lap would do nicely for a resting place. >>

[Jill Monroe]

<< as Morgan balked at the TERRIBLE thoughts she was having, she heard her mother's voice behind her. She stood upright and turned around. still wearing her new costume, she looked at Delilah and her mother.>>

... Mom....Delilah...

<< she said tearfully as she wiped her eyes.>>

I've failed...AGAIN!

<< the scrying glass still standing large and tall behind her.>>

I can't even FIND Sharon OR Alycia with the scrying glass right now. Rick could be doing ANYTHING to Alycia ....and Sharon is out there...she could be hurting people as she makes her way HERE.

<< she walked away from her area of consecration, and through the main floor of her penthouse, to the sunken in "sitting area". the night time sky was rather clear and the moon hung perfectly , providing a soft, haunting white glow against the darkness and Morgan sank down into an area of the leather sectional, knowing that Delilah and her mother would follow.>>

i'm FURIOUS with Nicolas. ALL HE wants to do..is KILL Sharon AGAIN...and Ava, of COURSE SHE is going to agree with it because she cares about Haleigh! Doesnt SHE understand the fact that SHE isnt in ANY position to justify killing Sharon again? its HER FATHER who caused Sharon's death in the first place!

I care about Haleigh too....but I DONT WANT Sharon HURT or KILLED because of it. It's NOT RIGHT!! She's a VICTIM TOO, just like Alycia and Haleigh...I feel like he doesnt understand..or CARE. One moment...I find myself...

<< she HATED herself for saying this>>

DRAWN to him...and the next..he REPULSES me...like EVERY OTHER MAN.

<< she leaned forward, her elbows resting on her thights as she cupped her face in her hands. she noticeably did NOT include Cameron in her rant because she didnt have ANY issue with him. things certain HAD changed, hadnt they?>>

I can't balance this out. I CANT lead them when my heart and mind or TORN UP and i dont know HOW i'm going to handle THIS and still deal with tomorrow's obligations with Madonna and the gala. My career is about to be RUINED and if something happens to Alycia...or if Sharon attacks us out in the open and forces us to reveal ourselves....Alison's vision might come TRUE!

I'm going to probably ALIENATE half the team because of how i feel right now...

I dont know what to do!!

I'm supposed to be stronger than this...and here i am..acting like a BASKET CASE!! I wish i had NEVER come back from the seige perilous.....what GOOD am i if i cant even save Sharon now that i have a second chance...without risking Haleigh's life....SHE tried to save ME the first time round...and NOW look ...I'm sitting here blaming her whether i want to or NOT.

[Rampage]

As Nicolas lay on his couch he heard a sound in the darkness, a welcome sound. It was Tinkerbell, Morgan's Siamese and familiar, and it had decided to visit HIM of all people. He was reminded of the healing power of pets as the cat purred and endeavor to make him feel better. He could feel her actively prepare his lap for her resting place, and he chuckled softly as he stroked the kitten as he had seen Morgan do it.

Hey Tink. You still like old Nic, huh? That makes ONE of you. Hey, you hungry? I have some Mahi-Mahi steaks in the fridge. If you like I could give you a snack. It's the least i could do for the only girl I can get to visit me around here.

Despite Nicolas' grim musings, he was slowly being cheered up by the feline...

[Tinkerbell]

<< Tinkerbell happily took her spot on Nicolas' strong lap. Of course he was glad to see her! she was PRETTY and soft! everyone enjoyed her but SHE decided who got to pet her.>>

<< as she turned around a few times before finally settling on his lap in a curled up position. She continued to purr as Nicolas offered her a treat. she looked at him, slowly blinking for a few moments. >>

<< not quite hungry, the siamese instead laid her head down on Nicolas' hand. She seemed more content to rest with him. it was late and he'd been through alot. so while Mommy talked with HER mommy, Tinkerbell decided to visit her new friend and help him feel better. an soft, blue image bubble shimmered into view above Tinkerbell and floated up to Nicolas' eye level. the image of Morgan showed her at her best, feeling confident, showing her bewitching allure. it was as if she was TRULY looking at him and showing that she welcomed him in her heart after all. after a few moments a "?" appeared next to the image of Morgan. Tinkerbell continued to look at Nicolas as she purred a bit..only briefly interrupted as she licked her chops with her tongue after yawning. she seemed to be questioning Nicolas in the way only SHE could.>>

<< but her presence there would proove to be valuable in more than just this way.>>

[Rampage]

As Tinkerbell looked up at him, he could "hear" the feline politely decline the treat offered. She seemed to content to snuggle up to him as he stroked her, wishing that Morgan would see the best in him and not always the worst.

Suddenly, a bluish bubble appears above the cat and rose to his eye level. he was becoming somewhat more used to this, but her was still amazed as a vision of Morgan appeared. Morgan was beautiful, fulll of vitality and life, and very pleased with him in the picture. Then, a question mark appeared with her, as the feline seemed to question...WHAT exactly?!! His resolve, his feelings, he was unsure, but he found himself making his case to the feline.

Tink, you know how I feel about your Mommy. But right now I am a bit afraid. Afraid to care for...love someone who may never accept me because of what she has already endured. You can feel my heart and what I am about. Morgan can too, when she allows herself to. But right now she thinks I wish to put down her best friend risen from the dead. I would do anything to save Sharon just for the happiness it would bring Morgan, but I could not bear to face her if we failed and I had neglected to prepare her for that eventuality.

I am a scientists, Tink. I am not used to flavoring my analyses with emotion. I lost that for a while after my father's death, but it is coming back,and Morgan mistakes it for cold-heartedness. Maybe you could ask her what she thinks of me. I most certainly am not sure at this point.

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen followed after her daughter, she also indicated for Delilah to follow as well. As they moved from one area , through the main floor to another area, they arrived at the sunken in sitting room. Morgan sank down onto the sectional and Karen sat beside her while Delilah sat on the other side.>>

Morgan, sweetheart, you're being too hard on yourself. You're not a goddess and even THEY have their shortcomings, lest you forget your recent caper in Greece.

<< Karen spoke as she gently placed her hand on Morgan's back.>>

You're upset right now...but you're not alone in that. this is an unbelievable set of circumstances and so there IS no real precedent for it. keep that in mind while you hold yourself to some impossible standard.

<< she looked over at Delilah.>

I came down to the War Room, feeling your distress. I wanted to see what was going on for myself. Ava , Nicolas and Delilah ...not to mention Cameron are all feeling forms of distress as well.

<< rubbing Morgan's back gently, the doctor continued.>>

You musnt villify Nicolas or even Ava. Ava is doing a REMARKABLE job despite the pressure she feels. She's in a unique and not always advantageous position for while she and Pesephone are merged "into one", the fact that she is still the essence of "Ava Cassadine" means that she carries the memories and feelings of that woman from her original form. She CANT HELP but to care for her sister and her father Stavros but those feelings are tempered and BALANCED by Persephone's own cold, logical nature. It's a true testament to a "meeting of the minds". Persephone wants to help you, Morgan....remember she had a close bond with your counterpart, Darkchilde as well as your ancestor, Hecate. She wont abandon you now, despite how it might FEEL or seem.

and as for Nicolas? I can imagine how it must have felt to hear what he had to say. Your father used to upset me with his seemingly UNFEELING moments somtimes as well. that comes with the territory when you're dealing with a scientest. Nicolas is a nice young man, with a good heart and the best of intentions but again..no one is perfect.

I reminded him of how delicate this is. Only you, Haleigh and Delilah have first hand memories of what happened to Sharon and you share the guilt among you but Delilah has probably been the BEST ONE at keeping that feeling in its place and not letting it grow to irrational levels.

You dont have to deal with everything RIGHT NOW Morgan. Even a PRECOG can't "DEAL" with everything all at once. There's no perfect or totally RIGHT way to lead everyone through this dark and uncertain storm, but keep sight of the GOALS: helping Haleigh; helping Sharon, helping Alycia. these are goals that you ALL share....each of you may have a personal priority to one or the other but the TEAM TOGETHER stands the best chance of achieving these goals. RICK RILEY is your enemy honey...not Nicolas, not Ava and certainly not Haleigh....

<< Karen could hardly believe HERSELF for saying that last part. It would be EASY to blame Haleigh who spent so much time trying to make herself seem so strong and so in control and yet prooved to be the most unwitting PAWN so far.>>

Cameron , he DEFENDED YOU and did his best to protect you and how you felt when he arived down there. He and Ava clearly have a natural adversarial relationship. He is probably one of the FEW, beside Alycia and yourself that would bluntly call out Ava or Haleigh for their dark and questionable links to the Cassadines and all that came with that. But as I reminded HIM...no one is perfect. They clearly have much that hangs over their heads, but so too does HE from his own predatory past. He meant well, but I had to keep him from being too heavy handed for too long with Ava.

But RIGHT NOW, we're here my dear. Your mother, and one of your dearest, closest, most trusted friends. We're here for you and we need YOU to be there for US too...not just us..but your WHOLE TEAM..your family! Family will get through this together.


<< she nodded to Delilah, indicating that it was time for her to speak as well. Delilah hadnt outwardly reacted to the source of Morgan's frustration...the fact that killing Sharon was so easily put on the table and so now was the time for her to speak as well..not only to Morgan but in the presence of her own close personal "family." where she knew her feelings would be listened to and addressed.>>

[Tinkerbell]

<< as Tinkerbell lay on Nicolas, each time he stroked her, she would close her eyes and raise her head a bit into his palm as it brushed over her head and ears. she continued to purr...siamese had a strong, louder purr than most other breeds. he could feel her purring too.>>

<< He enjoyed her, as well he should! she was a special kitty and she chose her "friends" very selectively! she liked this one. he was large but he was gentle and he cared for her mommy too!>>

<< he began to feel better and relax as she lay on him and though he might have felt silly talking to her the way he was, he didnt realize that others like Delilah and Alison, Karen and of course Mommy had done the same thing before. She understood more than they might have suspected but Nicolas seemed to KNOW that she was special..unlike any other cat he'd come in contact with.>>

<< he expressed his worry about giving into LOVE with Morgan, afraid that she'd never accept it, or him. Poor Nicolas....so strong, so full of promise and power...but he was no different than Morgan in this instance. Love was more powerfull...more frightening than EITHER of them could be.>>

<< He didnt want to hurt Mommy. that was good, she wouldnt have to hiss at him or scratch or bite! :D but Mommy made him feel bad so she decided to try to make her new friend feel better. Mommy was hurting too, but HER mommy was already helping her.>>

<< as he expressed more of his feeling, Tinkerbell blinked once, slowly, before touching his hand with her little nose. she licked his hand a few times and he could feel her slightly rough tongue.>>

itll be okay....large one.

<< the image bubble changed to show an image of Morgan, in her costume, being embraced and held by Nicolas in his costume. Morgan seemed to content to be held by Nicolas...not just as a friend but as something more. This was Tink's way of trying to assure Nicolas that Mommy had strong feelings for the Large One and would embrace him in the way he hoped soon enough.>>

<< for now though, it was rest time. and soon, the image bubble would fade as Tinkerbell yawned and laid her head down, she seemed to be settling in for sleep and cats had a way of making the person they were with ready to nap with them too. Nicolas needed his rest too.>>

[Rampage]

As Nicolas spoke to Morgan's familiar, he grew more at ease with the action. He realized that it was no more strange than having teammates that were immortals or having a demon dimension ruling sorceress supreme would-be object of affection who would just as soon kill him as make love to him. he relaxed and smiled as he made that small joke to himself.

I wonder if I am the first guy to say "She is gonna be the death of me" and REALLY mean it, yet proceed in any case?

Then he heard Tinkerbell's thought, as clear as any other. Clearly this cat had the ability to COMMUNICATE with him directly, not just bubbles, as it chose. He rubbed it a little more as he settled in to nap also.

I know, Tink. That's what I keep telling myself.

[Oracle]

<< and so, as Nicolas settled to nap , Tinkerbell lay with him in the darkness and quiet of his apartment. she'd made him feel better and showed once again how special a kitty she was. the scene was picture perfect and would have warmed the heart of anyone watching as Nicolas lay there, with the siamese curled up on his lap.>>

<< Karen and Delilah continued to comfort and speak with Morgan as they all shared their feelings and discussed the sithation of Sharon while Ava went to check on Haleigh following Nicolas and Delilah's attempt to sever the link between Haleigh and her outside influence. Cameron continued to reach far and wide for Alycia. His search would eventualy proove fruitfull but even a telepath of his skill would have his work cut out for him searching a city as massive as NYC with all sorts of secret and hidden places.>>

<< time past and as late night wore on, Nicolas and Tinkerbell slept quietly but as we look in on them again, we find that things are not as peacefull as they seem. not for long, for out on the balcony....several crows arrive...perching on the railing. their GLOWING red eyes indicate they are not here for friendly purposes ....four arrive in total...not bothering to make their presence hidden.>>

[Tinkerbell]

<< Tinkerbell slept comfortably on the large one's lap. by now she had stretched out, with her little head laying on the lower portion of his stomach. sleeping was something that she, like most cats enjoyed doing most of the time. Nicolas was very comfortable to lay on. he had a good spirit and she felt safe with him too. She knew Mommy worry if she was down here.>>

<< time passed, but soon, a sound caused Tinker's sleepy blue eyes to open...she raised her head quickly, her ears perked at attention as she looked toward the direction of the balcony doors. she began to growl softly...a higher pitch that dipped to a lower octive as thunder began to rumble outside.>>

<< she soon sat up, still firmly drawn to the balcony doors. her tail swaying rapidly as she growled some more. the thunder was louder this time. she hated the thunder too.>>

<< she looked at Nicolas. how peacefull he looked. she hated to wake him, but he might have to keep her safe!>>

<< standing up, Tinkerbell quitely left Nicolas' lap, jumping down to the floor and creeping along closer and closer to the balcony.>>

<< what was here? something bad....scarey..EVIL!!>>

<< she approached the balcony with uncertainty...her ears back as she looked UP ...the doors looked so tall and wide now...and as lightning flashed across the night sky...she saw the crows and their glowing red eyees. she raised up a bit...growling with disapproval as she stared at the evil birds. they stared at HER too.>>

<< bad birds....>>

<< the lightning flashed with an almost ANGRY flare as thunder crashed so loudly and at that moment, Tinkerbell saw something ELSE....she mewed and growled loudly as she hissed...and backed away...arching her back as the fur stood up on her back and her tail fluffed a bit.. she was clearly upset now...there was SOMETHING ELSE besides the birds out here!!>>

[Rampage]

Nicolas was having a good dream. In it he had managed to proceed further with the vision from Tinkerbell, and he was happily rounding third base when he heard the cat hiss and growl loudly. He awoke quickly, standing and stretching as he saw the act backing away from the balcony, hackles up.

As he stood and walked over to the feline, he saw the crows, their eyes glowing red. he stepped between the cat and the balcony.

No worries Tink. I won't let anything happen to you. But if it gets hot in here, let yourself out quickly.

As Nicolas stepped toward the balcony for a closer look, his TK told him something else was there and, as the lightning flashed, he could see something else, but what exactly was anyone's guess for NOW...

[Silver Swan]

[ the skies were coming to life with unrest...with ANGER and as Nicolas bravely stepped forward to keep little Tinkerbell safe, he should have been JUST as worried about his own safety. the lightning flashed again...and it seemed to roll with SLOW duration as the thunder crashed and looped around to crash AGAIN.]

[Nicolas saw the woman who was the next best thing to a death angel....Sharon Kelly!]

[ Standing there, tall, regal, powerfull and hostile all at once, the woman wore a beautifull, shimmering "long sleeved" silver bodice that revealed her cleavage. she wore matching front lace up high heeled boots with a bird like emblem at the top front of each boot. her blonde hair now had silver highlights in it and her EYES were menacing...silver, almost GLOWING like the moon]

http://members.aol.com/whoclix/sswan.gif
(INGORE the hair in this pic, this is just to give a general idea what SS looks like in The Six)

[ it was HER..and she was THERE...standing outside on the balcony. the crows were her heralds and as Nicolas saw her...he also so his memorial to her and her father.. SMASHED down on the floor by her boots. She stood poised for attack, but she didnt move...she simply stared at him....]

[ she was beautifull to behold...TOTALLY unlike what he had seen of her in previous media images...and although there was hatred in her eyes...there was an underlying look of disorientation as well...almost as if she didnt know why she was there.]

[Rampage]

When Nicolas realized who he had one the balcony here, his eyes widened a bit he spoke directly to Tinkerbell's mind, not wanting to give away too much by vocalization.

Tink, go to MOMMY...NOW. Show her who is here immediately. I will get the others.

He also alerted Ava, Delilah and Cameron mentally to what was happening, with a special message for Cameron.

Cameron...she appears to be a bit disoriented. I am wondering if we can somehow together help her sort things out, filter out the brainwashing. But first we may have to subdue her...I am trying to reason with her now.

Nicolas stood still in the room, watching her. She was indeed beautiful, but her wild eyes and bewildered look was an indication of her mental state that did NOT require telepathic powers to discern. She had destroyed his memorial, but was not going to allow that to incite him. He made it once and he could make it again, a thousand times if needed. The PERSON here was more important than a rock, albeit a sentimental one.

He stood, hands outward and down, palms facing outward. His TK was ready to react and his axe was finely attuned to him at the time passed, but he wanted to try to talk. Morgan no doubt believed that he would try to simply kill her. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

Sharon. Sharon Kelly. Morgan, your friend, should be here VERY SOON.

[Tinkerbell]

<< Tinkerbell's blue eyes followed Nicolas as he went to the balcony.>>

<< the large one is in danger too!>>

<< SHE'S here!! Mommy's friend...Sharon.>>

<< Tinker looked very uncertain as Nicolas directed her to go to mommy. her ears were still back and her pupils widened. with hesitation, she turned and hurried to a corner of the wall where a shadow was, and passed into the shadow. slipping out of sight.>>

Illustra-107th floor

<< Tinkerbell appeared from the shadows in an area of her mommy's large penthouse, rushing with silent paws to find her mommy.>>

<< Sharon's here...Large One is in danger....>>

<< she finds Mommy, grandmom and Delilah. three women she's very trusting and comfortable with. she hopes they will listen to her too!>>

<< she rushes into the sitting room, and hops onto the coffee table....mewing with distress as she sits on her hind legs and lifts her paw...seeming "waving" to the women for their attention. her blue eyes glowing as large image bubble forms to show Nicolas confronting Sharon Kelly on his balcony!!!>>

[Silver Swan]

[ Sharon's eyes briefly fixed on little Tinkerbell as she ran away into the shadows. She rememberd HER too...but Tink was not the object of her rage or hatred.>>

[as Tinkerbell disappeared, Sharon quickly returned to staring at Nicolas. She remembered HIM....son of Gustav...friend..?? he never harmed her...did he?]

memories twist and turn....but nothing of Nicolas appears...why does she remember him??


seems ...to be not out to hurt her. he holds his hands up and cautiously approaches....


Sharon. Sharon Kelly. Morgan, your friend, should be here VERY SOON.

[ He speaks her name....and MORGAN too?]

.....Morgan?

[ her voice is airy, the crows respond to her vocalization as they flutter their wings. THEY are not as willing to entertain Nicolas as she seems to be...but they stay perched....ready to obey theire mistress' telepathic command.]

friend.....this place.....

[as she stepped on some of the rubble from the memorial with her silver high heeled boot, she seemed disjointed. could the programming of Mystech's not be as strong as they thought? was there a chance to undo the damage? this was going FAR too easy for Nicolas but she still didnt attack. ]

[Jacob Black]

:: With Cameron's mind cast across through the city, he could literally FEEL Sharon Kelly coming towards Illustra as it hit his mind like a ton of bricks. There was such an anger in her prescence that it made Cameron shiver. Seconds later Nicholas sent an alert that she was standing on his BALCONY, and sent him a message that she was not attacking, that she seemed disoriented. That perhaps they could undo the damage done to her. It possibly could work. Cameron sent a message back to Nicholas. ::

"We're on our way..."

:: He rushed out of the room, knowing Ava would follow and he made his way up to Nicholas' floor, stepping out on to the balcony, quietly and serenely, and what he saw was a sight to behold. There she WAS, and that was an understatement. How could such anger be portrayed as such an ethereal figure. She was literally glowing and she seemed so heavenly, an ironic thought. He heard Nicholas' words, and he decided to let him lead. He wasn't sure how to deal with this force of nature. This was a fragile moment and they might not get another chance to interact with her like this. It was like a mythological creature had come down from the heavens just see what the "humans" were up to. It was primal, animalistic, coy and beautiful. Cameron noted to Nicholas. ::

"You lead the way, I don't know what she thinks of me, what they programmed, we could be the wild cards. I don't think she knows anything about us... Morgan is on her way yes?"

:: And so, Cameron stood and watched. ::

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: Delilah severed the link between Haleigh and the cell, completing a bit of their mission. With Karen wisking Delilah away to find Morgan, Ava was left with Nicolas and Cameron. Taking Nicolas hand as he 'helped' her off the table, she slid off the edge and landed on her feet. Ava wasn't oblivious to Nicolas' wondering eyes, but it didn't bother her. Men had ever right to look, just as long as it was tactfully done and not like they were drooling over a slab of meat. ::

:: Smoothing out her knee length pencil skirt, Nicolas suggested they all take a few hour rest before meeting up in Haleigh's apartment. ::

"Sounds like a plan."

:: Needing to complete some last minute work involving the Madonna charity event, Morgan may not have been as optomistic about it, but Ava wasn't about to throw in the towel just yet. Even with everything happening with Haleigh, Alycia, and Sharon, perhaps they would fix everything before tomorrow evening? Ha, a bit of wishful thinking on her end, but hell, crazier things have happened before. ::

:: Following Nicolas out, Ava soon made her way up to the 99th floor of Illustra. Where Alycia's old office was located. Entering a large conference room, the entire rooms 'walls' consisted of nothing but windows, giving a complete birds eye view to all of New York City. She found this room much more calming than her own office because of it's spectacular view. Walking up to one of the windows, Ava's electric blue eyes began to scan the busy city. Somewhere out there, Sharon Kelly was planning God knows what...::

:: Lost in her own thoughts, suddenly, a familiar voice began to echo in her head. It was Nicolas alerting her that Sharon was in his penthouse. Quickly walking over to the head of the conference table where a single silver laptop sat, Ava turned it on. With Delilah assisting Karen in finding Morgan, the odds of her updating and changing the security systems and codes were slim to none. Or atleast, that's what Ava hoped for. Clicking Illustra's main security grid, she errected a level 10 force field around Haleigh's penthouse specifically. With Haleigh at the top of Sharon Kelly's hit list, Ava wasn't taking any chances. ::

[Rampage]

As Nicolas stood facing the beautiful beast of prey, he heard Cameron come in. He forcibly blocked full access so that Cameron would not be noticed by Sharon with his TK and warned the telepath.

NO VISUAL OF YOU!!! The only thing I am sure of now is that I am not a current threat in her mind and Morgan is a friend. So there will not be a visual line of sight by any one else save Morgan at this moment. Morgan should arrive any moment. The shadows should hide you and hopefully not spook her right now...

Nicolas spoke to Sharon, nothing but his mouth daring to move, at an even and smooth pace.

Yes. Morgan is your friend and THIS is her place. She will be here very soon to see you.

[MorningStar]

[ As Morgan ranted, Delilah's eyes went wide in an expression of "Holy shit" directed at Karen. Her face softened as she turned to Morgan. ]

"Morgan?"

[ She echoes Karen's greeting. ]

"You can't put all of this on your shoulders, Morg. You are just one person. You may be magickal-powered, but still a person. You need to let others help you...share the work - and the blame."

[ She moved into the sunken living room and sat on one of the sectionals near Morgan. She listened to Karen speak, and nodded in agreement. She waited until Karen indicated it was her turn to speak. ]

"Your mother is right Morgan - you have to let us in, have to let us work as a team to get through this. You can't fight this battle all alone. It's okay to have doubts. It's okay to need help. It doesn't make you weak. It makes you human. And isn't that the fear you've been trying to overcome since the Inferno? You are not a monster. Only a monster would feel nothing about Sharon."

[ She looked away, her own conflicting feelings washing over her face. ]

"If Sharon is a threat, if she comes after us - if there becomes no other option than to take her down - then the woman we know is truly no more. She will have been dead already."

[ She looked out the window at the night sky. So peaceful, but masking so much conflict and pain. How would Delilah herself react if she was put in the situation of having to tap Sharon Kelly? Her friend. Could she do it. Really? Spellbinder was showing outwardly what she herself was feeling internally.

Just then, she heard Tinkerbell mewing. She looked around for the kitty, reaching out as she saw her pass to give her a pat but that cat was preoccupied. As an image bubble appeared above the cat's head, Delilah simutaneously got the cliff's notes version from Nicolas. ]

"Oh. Holy. Jesus."

[ It seemed that Delilah would get an answer to her question sooner than she had expected. ]

[Pam De Beaufort]

:: After securing Haleigh, Ava made her way up to Nicolas' penthouse, quietly entering the dark livingroom. She could hear Nicolas' voice afar, drawing Ava down the hall and to his bedroom. Keeping her movements steathy and smooth, she didn't want to attract any attention to herself...especially in the presents of Sharon Kelly. Nicolas seemed to be keeping her calm for the most part, and having a Cassadine suddenly wander in wouldn't be too good. ::

:: Ava's body began to change like a chameleon as she completely blended into Nicolas' decore. It would be nearly impossible to see her unless someone really stood and looked hard at where she was. Having a clear view of Sharon Kelly, she had definately changed since their last encounter. Studying her body armor, her boots were decorated with birds, instantly tipping Ava off. SHARON was the one behind the birds. ::

:: Speaking in her mind, she knew Nicolas and/or Cameron would hear her thoughts. ::

"I'm here. Don't draw any attention to me."

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan looked between her mother and dear friend. they were making sense, and perhas Morgan WASNT headling fast and furiously over a cliff like she originally felt.>>

<< just as she begin to let go and let THEM in....Tinkerbell appeared, and seemed upset. Delilah reached for her but the siamese looked to be in no mood for a pet.>>

Tink? what's the matter?

<< an image bubble appears....and its the nightmare Morgan DREADED.>>

oh NO!!

<< looking at her mother and delilah, Morgan stood up with them....could it have been THIS SOON that they'd be confronted with her?>>

<< a stepping disc whisks them from the 107th floor down to the 100th floor and the women walk slowly into the luxury apartment. to find Nicolas confronting Sharon head on...but it was a peacefull stand off at the moment.>>

oh goddesss!!!

<< Morgan covered her mouth with shock to see Sharon standing there seemingly ALIVE and so beautifull , yet terrifying. her costume was so unusual...and her eyes now glowing silver.>>

[Shadow Weaver]

<< Karen nodded as Delilah spoke. The young woman always seemed to be the balm to Morgan's wild soul and Morgan was the "PUNCH" that Delilah sometimes needed in a pinch when dealing with a difficult situation. the two had a strong friendship and moments like this prooved it.>>

its going to be a struggle, that much is certain but there is never a "right way"...and as Delilah says....the burden , even the blame must be shared....that is the only true and FAIR way for the team to function as a family with a circle of trust. I'm quite sure that Nicolas doesnt RELISH in the idea of hurting Sharon, even Ava seems to grasp the depth of the situation despite not being able to EMPATHIZE.

But with all this going on.....

<< Tinker comes and just as the others turn to her, so does Karen. Tinker stuns the doctor when revealing that Sharon Kelly has now paid Nicolas a visit.>>

oh dear....

<< Karen stood up with her daughter and delilah as they were teleported. As Morgan arrived, Karen heard Nicolas..he was addressing sharon and keeping himself in a very non threatening pose as he tried to keep her calm. the SIGHT of Sharon was so surreal to Karen. essentially, the woman she remembered was still there but this new form...it was so hard edged, yet beautifull. her EYES said the most...chaotic, unsure, yet brimming with hatred.>>

<< Nicolas appeared to be holding Sharon at bay with his words...asuring her that Morgan was coming. Karen took that as a cue that she and Delilah she stand back..and keep out of sight and so she put her arm in front of Delilah, turning to her. She whispered.>>

keep back..and remain very quiet....we dont want to frighten Sharon...or provoke an extreme response. It appears Nicolas is managing to keep her calm and that Morgan will be key....


<< Karen kept a cautious eye as she and Delilah kept back, allowing Morgan to go forward. Karen was proud of Nicolas, THANKFULL that he was disprooving Morgan's feelings about him on Sharon.>>

[Jill Monroe]

<< Morgan stepped forward, slowly, and it felt that even movement of her leg was an extreme effort. her breathing, her heart beating...all BOOMED in her head and though SHE saw Cameron in the room...for HER everyone else may as well had been 100 miles away. She heard Nicolas' voice as he addressed Shaorn.>>

<< how gentle he was being. even his posture was non threatening. She could hardly believe this..ANY of it. there SHE was....looking like a vengefull valkyrie and Nicolas was managing to keep her calm....but HOW!? >>

<< as he indicated that Morgan was coming, Morgan came forward slowly, making sure to be very slow..but part of that was her own fear racing through her body and heart.>>

Sharon...I'm here.... welcome home!!

<< Morgan stepped forward, slowly, with her hands held up, palms out...>>

I'm happy you've come here. I want to help you...I know MysTech has hurt you....and I want to HELP YOU, Sharon.

I...I'm SORRY that I wasn't strong enough to protect you before....but my friends...and I...we CAN help you together. we can make sure that mystech can't hurt you anymore.

You're welcomed here to Illustra....I'll keep you safe. I PROMISE!!

<< Morgan's voice was trembling slightly but she did her best to assure sharon with the look on her face as she held her hand out..now only a few feet away.>>

won't you come inside, Sharon? come with me?


<< Morgan was genuine. she didnt have the smooth and flawless presentation that her doctor mother might have. all she had was the feeling in her heart...the wish that Sharon could FEEL Morgan's desire to HELP HER and to keep her safe from anymore harm at the hands of MysTech.>>


<< she continued to reach out to her friend...TERRIFIED of what she might do.>>

[Silver Swan]

[ Sharon stared at Nicolas intently. It seemed like she could be SCANNING him and after all, neither HE nor anyone ELSE in the room had any idea just what powers she might posess, although for some who were paying attention to the details of her costume, and the demonic crows outside...it would become clear that Sharon must be the one holding sway over the birds lately.]

[ others arrived and while Nicolas attempted to HIDE Cameron from her sight...her HEARING was as perfect as Delilahs, she DETECTED Cameron's heart beat as well as Ava's she began to grow restless as she looked around....not seeing anyone...but KNOWING they were there there. she turned to Nicolas...growing more upset by the second...until MORGAN appeared....Sharon looked sharply at Morgan as the sorceress began to approach. She forgot about Nicolas for the moment as she focused on Morgan who called out to her as a FRIEND...reaching her hand out to her....]


Morgan....

[ her airy voice could be heard as the thunder rumbled outside. Morgan was apologetic, her eyes seemed so full of sadness and genuine feeling.]

Master Mold........hurt....PAIN!! Morgan....Alison.....friends.......

[ she seemed to be thinking....ALison wasnt there...but there as someon ELSE missing TOO! there were all these OTHER faces..or at least the presence of some and faces of others..but there was ONE in particular.....]

images of Morgan, Alycia, ALison, Delilah....HALEIGH...Master Mold. where is...

HALEIGH!!!

[ Sharon seemed to SNAP out of her dazed state...Morgan was here yes...and She was genuine...but where was HALEIGH and who were the OTHERS trying to HIDE form her!!]

YOU'RE HIDING HER FROM ME!!

YOU"RE PROTECTING HER..BUT YOU DIDNT PROTECT ME!

[ standing tall as she became increasingly angry....she refused Morgan's offer of help]

I DONT WANT YOU'RE HELP!! I WANT MY REVENGE!! and i'll HAVE IT!

[ before ANYONE could do anything, Sharon unleashes perhaps one of the deadliest aspects of her new found powers...her SONIC SCREAM. the sound of the scream is so VIOLENT and EAR PIERCING...a wild amalgam of a high powered, woman's scream...a violent train horn...the sound of chaos and nature...it all came BLASTING forward as the Silver Swan SCREAMED and BLASTED everything back with the force of her attack, demolishing the walls, the very STRUCTURE of Nicolas apartment.]

[ Morgan would be the FIRST to get hit by the sonic scream...followed by Nicolas, then Cameron and Ava and finally Karen and Delilah...but now ALL of them were down and Nicolas apartment was demolished.]

[ Sharon Kelly stood over them.]

You keep Haleigh form ME!? you DARE to stand in MY WAY!? Now you're going to DIE! I'm going to KILL YOU ALL just LIKE YOU KILLED ME!! and THEN I'll DESTROY HALEIGH as she so RICHLY DESERVES TO BE!

[ She spreads her arms and spins wonder woman style, so fast that she blurs and seems to turn ino a tight malestrom of air as spinning stars lunch from the funnel at high velocity and bombared the entire team of the Six. the stars whistle through the air. ]


[ Nicolas is SPRAYED with blood as his friends are mutilated and BUTCHERED by the stars and while he might be the most physically durable, Sharon aims to show HIM that he cant stop her as she moves forward, STILL in that spinning state and SPINS RIGHT OVER AND ACROSS HIM, flaying his flesh off down to the BONE but leaving him ALIVE still to feel the PAIN and humiliation!]

[ the last thing he sees, are the wild, hatefull, chaotic silver eyes of the Silver Swan.]

[Oracle]

<< wind, spinning stars, screams, BLOOD...DEATH!!>>

<< CONSCIOUSNESS!!>>

<< Nicolas would find himself jolted out of his sleep with a start, so much so that he disturbs Tinkerbell who is still laying on his lap.>>

it was all a dream

<< he would look around to see his apartment in tact, no blood, no stars...and no Sharon Kelly. She had never been there. his memorial to her and Gustav was still in tact. and the skies were now pre dawn. He'd sleep so deeply, and while he may have BEGAN his dream of Morgan..his own underlying stress and misgivings provided the seeds for a shocking, VIOLENT nightmare. was it JUST a nightmare? or a frightening glimpse of something MORE? a taste of what Sharon might BE LIKE? >>

<< he couldnt be exactly sure, but at this moment, all is as it was supposed to be. eveyrone having returned to their selected areas to rest for the rest of the evening. Morgan, Karen and Delilah having talked...and the team salvaging what little time they had left before the new day began.>>

<< Nicolas may have been more troubled than he thought...but somehow..having that nightmare allowed him to work THROUGH some of his own pent up fears about that and other related issues.>>

<< Tinkerbell looked at Nicolas, a bit puzzeled, but soon, she settled down on his lap again and he was left to clear his thoughts of fleeting ghost images of Sharon and what might have been. tomorrow would be another day for him and morgan , another day to move closer to helping Haleigh overcome this newest attempt to destroy her and her team, another day to search far and wide for Alycia and another day for everyone to face the difficult task of balancing personal lives with the awesome (if not daunting) responsibilities that came with being a member of the six.

<< dawn arrives, bringing with it the precious illusion that the day MIGHT be better than the last....but with Rick Riley and the shadows and Silver Swan out there...NOTHING was certain and no one was safe.>>

<< and so we watch.>>